Myrtice Helms Stewart

Myrtice Helms Stewart, 83, of Auburn, Alabama, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 23, while surrounded by her family. Born in Greenville, Mississippi, to George and Lillian Helms, she was one of five daughters, including her identical twin, Mary. Classically trained as a dancer, she attended Mississippi State College for Women, the "W," where she studied Library Science. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, the dashing fighter pilot, Charles David Stewart, who would go on to become her husband of 61 years. He preceded her in death in December 2015. She is survived by their five children and loving spouses, David and Robyn Stewart, Mary and Bruce McLeod, Ruth Ann and Kyle Logue, Diane and Trip Griswold, and John Helms Stewart, as well as fourteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Myrtice and David moved to Auburn in 1965 for David to pursue his Master's in Engineering. Using her academic training and love of books, Myrtice became a research librarian at the Ralph Brown Draughon Library at Auburn University. Soon after, Myrtice left the library to stay home full time and raise her growing family. Her last son, John, was born with Down Syndrome. This kindled in Myrtice a passion for advocating for those with special needs. She was a pioneer for in-home early intervention programs for infants and young children with developmental delays. In all areas of life, she believed that inclusion for those often marginalized benefited everyone. She applied this same devotion to create a home where the cooking was delicious and where there was always an extra seat at the table. It was not unusual for anyone from neighborhood kids to hungry college students to be found dining at the Stewart table. After struggling with rheumatoid arthritis for decades, Myrtice's final years were marked with significant health issues. She would face these challenges with the same unswerving faith that was the guidepost of her entire life. Her ability to face her suffering with grace was a testimony to her reliance on her Savior. Those who knew and loved Myrtice will miss her. We will miss the warmth of her smile, the sparkle in her eyes, and the taste of her food. These simple and lovely things that are now gone are not, however, her lasting legacy. She will be remembered for a thing far more eternal: a life poured out for others, lived in obedience to Christ. She is missed. She was loved. She is home. Family and friends are invited to the graveside service to be held at 11:00 on Saturday, April 29, at Highland Cemetery in Piedmont, Alabama. The Reverend Earl Ballard will be officiating, with Thompson Funeral Home handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rainbow Omega 100 Hope Drive, Eastaboga, Alabama 36260. Rainbow Omega is a residential campus serving the needs of adults with developmental disabilities.

Myrtice Helms Stewart

June 9, 1933 - April 23, 2017