Sue Steward

Sue Steward, 83, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, April 28, 2020. She was born on August 12, 1936 to Gladys H. Yancey and Jerry S. Yancey at home in Beauxart Gardens. As a youngster she moved with her family to their home on Milam street in Beaumont. Sue attended Fletcher Elementary, David Crockett Junior High, and graduated from Beaumont High School in the class of 1954. She earned an associate degree from Lamar in Secretarial Science in 1956 and returned later in life to earn a BS in Education and a Master’s degree from Texas A&M University in Education.

Beginning in 1959, Sue commenced to raise two sons, Sam and Tim, one daughter Cindy, and was preceded in death by her second daughter, Jill. Her family was later joined by two daughters, Karen Neild and Rebecca Amy.

Sue served Trinity United Methodist Church, Vincent Middle School, Region V Service Center, and Wilbanks Elementary as a secretary. After a period of selling real estate and completing college she taught 3rd grade at Price Elementary, Science at Odom Academy, 5th grade at Price Elementary, and finally 3rd grade at Roy Guess Elementary.

From second grade through high school Sue took formal ballet dancing from Widman’s School of Dance where she developed a passion for dance that lasted a lifetime. She became an accomplished decorative painter and enjoyed sewing and knitting. She made clothes for her children, grandchildren, and later made knitted caps for newborns. Sue was an active member in two local bridge clubs and an avid card game player with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She could cook most anything and make it delicious but was well known for her shrimp gumbo and golden party salad. Sue loved travel and enjoyed seeing the world from cruise ships with Harold who also joined her on multiple hikes to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

She was a Born Again Christian; accepting Christ as her savior at the early age of ten and was an active participant in “Bible Study Fellowship” for more than ten years. Sue attended the Noah class of First Baptist Church Beaumont for many years and most recently attended Wesley United Methodist Church and participated in the “Seekers” class.

Sue is survived by her husband, Harold Steward; two sons, Samuel Warren Johnson Jr. his wife, Jodi and their two children, Shelby, and Katelyn and her husband Alex Preniczky; Timothy Alan Johnson his wife, Heather and thier four children, Amber, Landon, Auburn and Leah Jefferson; one daughter, Cindy Beall, her husband Buddy, and their two sons, Austin, and Eric and his wife Angelica; two step-daughters, Karen Neild, her husband Tom and their five children, Thomas, Annie, Taylor, Allie, and Ty; Rebecca Amy; grandchildren, Taylor Neild, Sr. and his wife, Andrea; Thomas Neild and his wife, Allison; Annie Howell and her husband, Colby; eleven great-grandchildren, Emily, Kaydee, Taylor, Carter, Cole, Eloise, Oliver, Penelope, Cecilia, Hamilton, and Magnolia; and treasured friends, Jean Ann Spitznagle, Nancy Crawford, Janet Beagnaud, Toby McKeever, Roni Calaway, Kaye Duffee, Florence Carlisle, Lynette Wilson, Eileen Slater, and many more.

A family graveside service for Mrs. Steward will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 815 Market Street Galveston, Texas 77550.