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Obituaries

Obituary for Elizabeth (Betty) Kellum Stewart Elizabeth (Betty) Kellum Stewart
Longtime Lexington Teacher Enjoyed Garth Newel Music Center

Elizabeth (Betty) Kellum Stewart, 93, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, October 20, 2018.

Betty was born on July 26, 1925, in Walker County, Ala., the youngest daughter of George Alston Kellum and Mary Henrietta Taylor.

She was married to her high-school beau, James William Horne "Bill" Stewart, for 45 years until his death in 1987.

Betty graduated from the University of Alabama in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education. For the next 68 years, she was a devoted Alabama fan and rarely missed a football game.

She and Bill first moved to Lexington in 1950, while Bill attended W&L School of Law, settling down permanently in 1957 when he joined the school's faculty. Betty returned to Lexington City Schools, where she taught until her retirement in 1988. She was a beloved first grade teacher, and her warmth and compassion stayed with her students long after leaving her classroom. As adults, her former students regularly greeted her with a hug and words of gratitude.

She loved classical music, a love she shared with her eldest son, Will. The two spent countless Saturdays attending concerts at Garth Newell Music Center. At home, she shared her natural gift for the piano by playing her many favorite hymns by ear.

She was a lifelong Episcopalian and for decades, an active member of Grace Episcopal Church, serving a variety of ministries, including the Altar Guild. She lived out her faith by delivering meals to Lexington shut-ins and was quick to give to those in need, supporting various local organizations devoted to improving the lives of the underserved. She was also a devoted listener and supporter of National Public Radio, and regularly read on the air for Harrisonburg's affiliate for the blind.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Stewart, and her older siblings Bert Kellum, Alice Orton, Myra Watley, Bill Kellum and Louise Stark.

She is survived by her three children, Will Stewart Jr. of Lexington, Meg Mason (Jeff) of Raphine, and Jeb Stewart (Stephanie) of Birmingham, Ala.; her four grandchildren, Heather Hawley (Hunter), Taylor Mason, Ryan Stewart and Nolan Stewart; her great-granddaughter, Sanders Hawley; and her brothers John Kellum (Barbara) of Gibsonia, Pa., and Dr. Kenneth Kellum (Sara) of Normal, Ill.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Garth Newell Music Center or Meals for Shut-ins.