Marie Lambertine Stewart was born on February 13, 1934 in West Virginia to Willard and Marie Woods. She fell asleep peacefully surrounded by friends and family on March 12, 2024.

During her 90 years, she was known to be a strong, independent and lovely woman of class and distinction.

Grandma Marie, or GG as she was lovingly known by her Great Grandchildren, would make sure everyone knew that both of her parents, Willard and Marie, were deaf. This created quite a unique childhood. Even in her adult years she would “talk with her hands” to emphasize a point or let out a gentle “ah” as only she could do, when she saw someone else who was using sign language.

In her very early years, her father would send her to the movie theater with a very small amount, like a quarter, by herself. She would go to a movie, get some sweets, then save a little bit for later.

This likely created the independence he was looking to instill in her at an early age.

When Marie was married with small children in Florida, she noticed a very happy and loving family who lived next door. Their example really caught her eye to the point that one day, she took it upon herself to ask the other young mother- “I see you and your husband and how you interact with each other and your children. What is it that you have that we don’t?”

This one question would change the direction of not only Marie’s life, but that of those of her family to follow.

Her neighbor graciously shared what she had learned from the Bible as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

From that point on, Marie would increase her study to the point that she dedicated her life as a baptized Witness herself in 1965.

If there were one thing that Marie would want others to know about her, its that her faith in Jehovah God’s promise of a paradise Earth was real. She believed that she would awaken to see her lovely parents, beloved daughter, Susan and Son, Bob.

Her mother would always sign “I long to hear the voices of my children!”

With Jehovah’s promise- Marie knew that this would come true very soon. She would take the time to share this promise whenever she could, even in her later years.

Marie loved her family dearly. Anyone who knew Marie in her later years felt like they also knew her family as well, since she would talk about them often.

Marie is survived by her sons, G. Lambert Russell, who would call his mother every night to check on her and make sure she had what she needed, and Brian Russell, who at one point, moved in his mother to help care for her.

Grandsons, Brandon Ellis (Verlin), Jason Ellis (Chelsea) and Jonathan Ellis (Candace) as well as Kent Russell.

Brother Jimmy Woods (Patty), Sister Beth, as well as Great Grandchildren Sydney Vita (Luca), Kendall Ellis, Jonathan Ellis Jr., as well as Savanna Mercer.

Countless nieces and nephews and extended family, who loved her as well.

There are also a host of close family friends who have gone above and beyond in both friendship and care over the years. Those include DiAnna and Rick Butler and Merry Mercer, who was at her side as a close friend and supporter until the very end.

Merry was very supportive to the family during the difficult transition weeks when Marie simply could not care for herself, even volunteering to stay with Marie during her final moments.

Even until the very end, Marie was known to have a quick wit and was always ready to show her sense of humor. On her very last day, just hours before she would fall asleep, when the hospital Dr. asked her “What seems to be the problem Ms. Marie?”- “I’m old!”, she would exclaim. Even those Dr’s and Nurses could not help but smile and share a moment with her.

The family is very appreciative to all those who have extended heartfelt prayers and condolences during this time of loss.

The entire family owes their hope in Jehovah God’s promises to Marie’s longstanding faith, and we are forever grateful that she took a stand so many years ago.

Until we meet again, we love you and we thank you forever! 

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