Mary Deardorff Stewart's Obituary
Mary Deardorff Stewart left this earthly life of 85 years for her heavenly home on June 1, 2026. She was born September 9, 1940, in Charleston, West Virginia, the daughter of Norman and Bertha Deardorff. Mary enjoyed growing up in West Virgina and had an affinity the rest of her life for her home state. She visited often over the years. In between visits, she could often be found flipping through the pages of West Virgina magazine until her next trip to the Mountain State came along.
Mary graduated from St. Albans High School in St. Albans, West Virginia in 1958. She furthered her studies by attending Alderson Broaddus University, which was a private Baptist university in Philippi, West Virginia. She completed her bachelor’s degree in 1962.
Following graduation, Mary and a small group of close friends from college moved to Dover, Delaware to begin their respective teaching careers. This move led to a lifelong dedication to teaching. Vocationally, she taught for the Cesear Rodney School District a few years before teaching two generations of high school students at Dover High School in the Capital School District. She taught typing, business education and became the head of the department as well.
Mary began attending First Baptist Church of Dover, where she would meet her husband of 51 years, Charles (Charlie) Stewart. Together, they served the church in many ways, teaching, producing the newsletter, volunteering on committees and the like; all while enjoying the fellowship of the larger church family. As a Sunday School teacher, Mary used her considerable skills to research and prepare lessons for the women’s classes well beyond her years as a teacher in high school. Even though she had restricted mobility in her final few years, she prepared lessons for others to teach and to guide them in the way of the Lord.
Charlie and Mary traveled often. Trips ranged to visiting family around the country, going to baseball games (go Phillies and Blue Rocks!), exploring the west or staying at a cabin in West Virginia. They were also involved in Gideons International.
Mary particularly enjoyed having the grandchildren visit or stay with her. The occasional “cousins camp” at home with Nana was a fun and lively time for her. Whether her home-made Mac-N-Cheese or Chick Fil-A nuggets, gathering around meals was always a highlight for her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil N. Deardorff and Bertha L. Deardorff, her husband, Charles H. Stewart, her brother John Deardorff, and her sister-in-law, Nancy S. Ellis.
She is survived by her children: Flossie (Henry) Ford of Dover, Douglas (Susan) Stewart of Bethlehem, PA; her grandchildren: Abby Ford, Joy Ford, Allison (Darien) Henry, and Graham (Madeline) Stewart; her brothers, Ray (Sandy) Deardorff and Robert (Dreama) Deardorff, and her brother-in-law David Ellis; as well as nephews and nieces and their families.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Dover, 301 Walker Road at 12:00 on Saturday, June 6. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to FBC of Dover women’s ministry or Gideons International.
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