Eleanor Stewart

Mercedes- Eleanor "Joyce" Stewart, 89, passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Valley View Nursing Home in Harlingen. On February 8, 1933, Eleanor was born in Gibsonburg, Ohio, to Oliver and Lola (Michael) Hamilton. Eleanor was known by her middle name, Joyce, by friends and family. She grew up on a farm in Gibsonburg. Along with the rest of her siblings, she learned the value of hard work at a young age. It took the teamwork of the entire family to keep the farm running smoothly.

When Joyce was a young adult, she met her soulmate, Don, at church. They were married on April 25, 1953, and would enjoy a fulfilling and loving marriage for 64 years. Don and Joyce raised their children in Ohio. Don worked very hard so that Joyce could stay at home to raise their five children. Don and Joyce always put God first in their lives. No matter how busy life got, the family attended church on Sundays.

Joyce was a model homemaker, making sure the family had plenty of home-cooked meals, including cake and cookies for dessert. Salisbury steak was one of the favorite meals, and many of Joyce's friends begged her to give up the "sugar cookie" recipe. Joyce usually hosted Thanksgiving, and the food was mouthwatering. Joyce also enjoyed working in the yard and kept it well maintained. Joyce was not afraid of work, which worked out in her favor since she married a man who saw the need to constantly remodel or improve their home, church, or any place that needed a little "TLC." Joyce became her husband's "right-hand woman" as the children moved away, working alongside her handyman.

Joyce and Don moved to the valley in 1999, where they were faithful members of the Church of Christ on Bridge Avenue in Weslaco.

Joyce and Don enjoyed many road trips as Don had his ham radio license. Joyce was well entertained along the way as Don loved to communicate on the CB. They also took many camping trips with the children and grandchildren.

Joyce was loving, caring, and a faithful woman of God. She led by example and adored her family.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Lola Hamilton, her loving husband, Don, and granddaughter, Amber Hall.

She is survived by her children Cheryl Adams (Keith) of Mercedes, Randy Stewart (Teresa) of Jackson, TN, Patricia Kooken (Dan) of Hardeeville, SC., Robin Hall (Jamie) of Mansfield, OH, and Ed Stewart of Zanesville, Oh, her grandchildren, Erin Jones (John), Megan Fields, Courtney Fields, Jay Stewart (Elizabeth), Jonathon Stewart (Angie), Brandi Callery (Robert), Sean Hall, and Samuel Stewart, thirteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the Aurora House, PO Box 976, Weslaco, TX 78596.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, July 9th, 11:00 am at The Bridge Avenue Church of Christ, 1200 S Bridge Ave. Weslaco, TX 78596.