Annabell Stewart Obituary

Annabell (Harkness) Stewart

Jan 23, 1933 - Jun 18, 2025

Norwalk

Annabell (Harkness) Stewart, 92, of Norwalk, transitioned to her heavenly home Wednesday, June 18, 2025. She was born January 23, 1933, to the late William Harkness and Addie Mae (Fife) Harkness Webb in Cherokee County, Alabama. In 1945, with her mother and brother, they moved to Norwalk, Ohio. She attended Norwalk City Schools and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1951.

On August 25, 1951, she married James Stewart, her soul mate, at Warren Chapel in Norwalk. They were married for 62 wonderful years until his death in 2013. She was a member of the United Methodist Church for over 50 years, teaching preschool Bible classes and leading teen Vacation Bible School, as well as being an active member of United Methodist Women. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all, never meeting a stranger. Affectionately known in the community as "Miss Annabell," she was always ready to help and to be of service to anyone in need-keeping with her motto, "There's no such word as can't.'"

Her employment history was a testament to her dedication to service her community. She was a co-founder of Norwalk Day Care Center, where she served as the head teacher and director and also served on the board. Additionally, she was the nutrition coordinator for Sandusky Head Start in Sandusky, as well as the nutrition and activity coordinator at Services for Aging in Norwalk. In 1986, Annabell was the director of Erie-Huron County Community Action Commission (CAC) Norwalk Office. After a brief retirement, she worked as the volunteer coordinator for Stein Hospice in Sandusky.

Annabell is survived by two children, Pamela White and Michael (Katja) Stewart of Norwalk; a sister, Connetta Harkness of Holland, Ohio; grandchildren, Aja Stewart of Norwalk, Chad (Danielle) Stewart of Maryland, Caela (Matt) Harker of Pennsylvania, and J. Annabella Stewart of Norwalk; three stepgranddaughters; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, James C. Webb; brothers, William Jr., Eugene, and Alfred Harkness; her bonus son, Curt Jones; and a daughter, Cynthina Ann, in infancy.

Special thanks and gratitude to the teams of angels at Gaymont Nursing Center and Southern Care Hospice.

Friends and family may visit from 10-11 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Norwalk First United Methodist Church, 60 W. Main St., Norwalk. Burial will be private at Woodlawn Cemetery at a later date.

In Annabell's memory, donations may be made to Norwalk CAC and Norwalk Food Bank.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com