Joan Mays Stewart

1941 - 2024

Joan Mays Stewart, 82, of Lynchburg, passed away on Sunday, February 18, in Chesterfield, Virginia, where she was a resident at Bickford of Chesterfield.

Joan was born on September 30, 1941, in Lynchburg, to Emmett Earl Mays and Ethel Williams Mays. She grew up in a close-knit family in downtown Lynchburg and attended Franklin Street Baptist Church. She graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1960 and then worked for Southern Parts & Bearings and Southland Life Insurance.

Joan and her husband, Darrell Stewart, were married in 1962 and had two children, Susan and Michael. For more than 20 years, Joan ran a daycare business from home and cared for many neighborhood children and loved them as much as she loved her own. She also worked as a sales associate for Hecht's, later Macy's, for 20 years in the children's department.

Joan enjoyed supporting her husband, Darrell, in his love of music with the band Revised Edition, and her children and grandchildren in their endeavors. She loved being a Nana. She was kind, patient and caring, and she had a beautiful smile. She and Darrell had 56 happy years together until his passing in 2019, and they were surrounded by many loving friends and neighbors who were as close as family.

She is survived by Susan and her boyfriend, Craig Evans; Michael and his wife, Jenell Zemany Stewart; grandchildren Kaelah, Madison, Jaxon, Carter, Brady, Corbin and Eleanor; sister Brenda Mays of Roanoke, Virginia; and several grand-dogs, including her beloved Sadie. She is preceded in death by her younger brother, Joe Mays.

Joan will be cremated and her ashes scattered with Darrell's. The family respectfully suggests that, in lieu of flowers, friends and family consider making a donation to a favorite charity or helping someone in need. A memorial service/celebration of life will be planned for April or May in Lynchburg.