[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 59 (Tuesday, April 24, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF JANIE BELL WILSON STEWART

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2012

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr Speaker, I rise today to remember the 
life of Mrs. Janie Bell Wilson Stewart, who passed away recently at the 
age of 76. As an educator, loving mother and wife, and faithful member 
of her church, Mrs. Stewart was an exemplary member of her community. I 
would like to take this time to express my deepest condolences to 
everyone who knew Mrs. Stewart, especially her family and friends.
  Mrs. Stewart was born on April 15, 1935 in Wayneshoro, Georgia. Six 
years later, she moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, attending Walker 
Elementary School of Broward County Public Schools. A vivacious 
student, Mrs. Stewart was the first to receive a scholarship from the 
Zheta Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. This 
scholarship paved the way for her to attend Florida Memorial 
University, then called Florida Normal College, where she graduated in 
1958 with a degree in Education and later became a teacher.
  While in college, Mrs. Stewart gave back to her community through her 
work with the Zeta Rho Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, 
Inc., and continued her alliance with her sorority well after she 
graduated, becoming a golden soror for her service of over 50 years to 
the organization. This dedication to her sorority and alma mater earned 
her the Fountain of Excellence Award from Florida Memorial College 
(University) decades after she graduated.
  It was also during college that Janie met her future husband, Milton 
Stewart, to whom she was married for 48 years. Together, they raised a 
son and one of their nieces, whom they treated as their own daughter. 
As a teacher, Mrs. Stewart helped countless children. Her devotion for 
both her students and career was evident in her long workdays, 
recognitions for her exceptional teaching, and friendships with other 
educators.
  Always passionate about knowledge, Mrs. Stewart received her Master's 
in Administration and Supervision from Nova Southeastern University 
while holding a job as a teacher. With her graduate degree, Mrs. 
Stewart went on to become a principal. She served dutifully in this 
role at three different Broward County elementary schools. Mrs. Stewart 
continued to serve as a mentor for other teachers and maintained a 
presence in her former students' lives even after her retirement. Her 
thirty three-year career as a teacher and principal touched the lives 
of innumerable children and colleagues in South Florida.
  Aside from her family, career, and sorority, Mrs. Stewart was also 
devoted to her faith. She was a member of First Baptist Church Piney 
Grove for 69 years, having joined in 1943. There, she served as the 
Director of the Red Circle of the Society of Missions. Even with her 
numerous activities, Mrs. Stewart still found time for fun. She enjoyed 
golfing and received the Palmview Women's Golfing award in 1979.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to pay tribute to Mrs. Janie 
Bell Wilson Stewart whose commitment to education, her students, 
family, and the community will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers 
are with Mrs. Stewart's family during this most difficult time.

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