Shirley Jo Stewart

Shirley Jo Stewart, 85, of Abilene, TX was welcomed into the arms of Jesus at 8:30 PM on June 22, 2018.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 28th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Broadview Baptist Church located at 2500 South 27th, Abilene, TX.

Burial will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 29th, at Elmwood Memorial Park located at 5726 US-277, Abilene TX. Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 AM at Broadview Baptist Church.  Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, in Abilene, TX.

Shirley was born in Austin, TX to Luther Frank Rader and Bessie Mae Malott Rader on August 29, 1932. She attended school in Austin, TX and graduated from Austin High School. She married Dalton Wayne Stewart on January 27, 1951 in Austin, TX. Shirley was proud to be a minister’s wife and played a crucial role in Dalton’s 43 years of ministry as his constant companion and support system.  Shirley continued her ministry by serving as an Administrative Assistant to the Director of Missions at the Abilene Baptist Association for fifteen years.  She was involved in Abilene Baptist Social Ministries, Christian Women’s Job Corps and was awarded the 2016 Lay Person of the Year from the Abilene Baptist Association. 

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Dalton, as well as her parents, two sisters, Ernie Barr and Ima Jenkins, and her son-in-law, Monte Pillion.

Shirley is survived by her children Sharon Pillion, Sandy Longacre and husband, Roy; Sharla Milliorn and husband, Gary; and Terry Stewart and wife, Marsha; all of Abilene, TX.  Shirley was blessed to be called Gran by eleven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be her six grandsons: Jason Pillion, Luke Longacre, Wesley Longacre, Chad Longacre, Zach Stewart, and Kirby Milliorn.

Memorials may be given to the Abilene Baptist Association, 2058 Marshall Street, Abilene, TX 79605.  The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Anton Melnyk; she considered you a trusted friend. We would also like to thank the nurses and staff of Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Hospice Care.