Joanne Stewart

Joanne Dee Rogers Stewart, age 84, of Fayetteville, Arkansas passed away Friday, May 22, 2015. She was born July 3, 1930, the daughter of Dr. James Creigton Thomas Rogers and Fannie Armstrong Rogers. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Marion Orton. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Joanne is survived by her husband of 59 years, Charles W. Stewart III; two sons, Charles Stewart IV and his wife Glenda of Houston, Texas, and Thomas Rogers (T.R.) Stewart of West Fork, Arkansas; one brother, Tom Rogers of Naperville, Illinois; four grandchildren, Micah Stewart Karl, Charles W. Stewart V (Quint), Thomas R. Stewart II, and Nicole J. Stewart; seven great-grandchildren Tyson, Wyatt, Ryder, Wesley, Chloe, Ellie and Jayden; and 12 nieces and nephews. Joanne was born in Rochester, Minnesota in July 1930. The family moved to Urbana, Illinois where Joanne's father and Dr. Hugh Davison co-founded Carle Clinic and Hospital. Joanne graduated from Urbana/U of I High School in 1948. Joanne attended Stephens College for two years. In 1951, she visited her sister Marion and brother-in-law Bill Orton in Paris, France where Bill was working on a post-doctorate in mathematics as a Fulbright scholar. Joanne eagerly decided to stay for the remainder of the year to study voice and perform at the Conservatoire de France, a college of music, dance, and drama founded in 1795. Joanne and Bill enjoyed singing in the choir together as well. In 1953, Joanne moved to Fayetteville to study music in voice under Kenneth Ballenger at the University of Arkansas. Though selected to perform with "the Uark-ettes", a group founded and directed by Dr. Ballenger, on tour in Europe, Joanne was unfortunately unable to participate. The Uarkettes was the first University group to tour Europe under government sponsorship. In 1954, Charles W. Stewart (Charlie) was introduced to Joanne at Heinie's Steakhouse where she was on a date with another gentleman. Later, while at George's on Dickson Street, Charlie asked his friend Wylie Davis to help him phone Joanne that evening while she was babysitting at E.J. Ball's home. She agreed to a date. Thus, the romance began. Joanne and Charlie were married in July 1955. Joanne was a dedicated and loving wife, homemaker, and mother. She unconditionally supported Charlie's career in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1955-1999. Joanne was a member of Alpha Chi Omega, the Newcomers Club in Fayetteville, the NWA Scottish Society, and the Marion Chapter of D.A.R. Joanne courageously struggled with MS for 60 years. She often exclaimed that her Daddy helped her overcome the initial crisis by encouraging her to believe in her ability to overcome the difficulties. Therefore, she learned to walk again and live joyously in spite of often chronic pain. Joanne enjoyed visiting with friends over lunch, wearing colorful clothes, and singing. She felt a kindred spirit with animals (especially dogs). She was a very loving person and wanted everyone to get along. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday May 29, 2015, at Moore's Chapel. Memorial Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Private family committal service will be in Fairview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Arkansas chapter), Willard Walker Hospice Home, or the Humane Society of the Ozarks. To sign the online guest book visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.