85-year-old Venita V. Stewart, a resident of McLeansboro, passed away Tuesday, August 6 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.
She was born in Hamilton County, IL on October 31, 1933, the daughter of Ralph David and Rosa Vianna (Cotter) Smith. Venita was a farmer, home maker and taught for several years in various Hamilton County schools as well as being a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church near McLeansboro.
Venita is survived by two sons: Joseph (Beverly) Stewart of Broughton, IL and James (Kristin) Stewart of McLeansboro, IL; one daughter, Victoria (Albert) Burris of McLeansboro, IL; six brothers: Harold Smith of Virginia, Buell Smith of Alabama, Adrian Smith of Indiana, Lowell Smith of Illinois, Phillip Smith of Texas and Michael Smith of Illinois; two sisters: V. Vivian Tucker of North Carolina and Carolyn Stricklin of Illinois; seven grandchildren: Jeff Stewart, Laura Stewart, James Stewart Jr., Kaylee Stewart, Jacob Burris, Kaleb Burris and Lauren Burris. Seven nephews and eighteen nieces also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Billie D. Stewart; and one brother, Cameron Smith.
A private family memorial service will be held Sunday, August 11.
The Gholson Funeral Home of McLeansboro is in charge of arrangements.