LILLIE STEWART OBITUARY
Deaconess Lillie Frances Kemp-Stewart and her twin, Deacon Arthur Brooks Kemp, were born February 6, 1937, to Judge D. (J.D.) Kemp and Marzetter Cooley-Kemp in Timberland, North Carolina. Lillie Frances and her siblings were raised in a strict Christian home in Raeford, North Carolina, and that upbringing served as the guide for her entire life.
J.D. and Marzetter Kemp raised their family to value Christianity, hard work, and education. As a result, a number of their children became ministers, educators, and successful businesspersons. Lillie Frances chose the business route, settling on government accounting as her professional field of endeavor.
After high school, Lillie Frances moved to Washington D.C. where she had originally intended to enter the nursing field. Shortly after arriving in Washington, she met Wilbert Stewart, the love of her life whom she married in 1956 and remained married to for 63 years. To this union were born daughter Sharon Renee Stewart-Cooper, and son Wilbert Stewart, Jr.
Upon arriving in Washington D.C., Lillie Frances remained true to her upbringing, and immediately sought a new church home, eventually deciding upon The New Jerusalem Church of God, where she served as a nurse, usher, and choir member (she loved to sing). She later joined Christian Tabernacle Church of God, Mount Joy Baptist Church (where Wilbert was ordained as a Deacon), and finally, Antioch Fellowship Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Florida. Lillie Frances lived to serve the Lord and made an impression at each stop of her spiritual journey.
After finding a new church home, marrying, and having two children, Lillie Frances turned her attention to her career. She decided to work for the federal government and began as a Clerk with General Services Administration. Seeking promotional opportunities, she shifted to the accounting field, becoming an Accountant Technician and later returning to school in order to receive her government accounting accreditation which she received in 1979. She eventually retired as an accountant with the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
Lillie Frances’ passions included her church, family, and PLANTS. She and Wilbert inherited their green thumbs from their parents, and always had a house and garden full of exotic greenery. She also enjoyed traveling, taking multiple cruises and a European excursion. She enjoyed life to its fullest and truly maximized her 87 years of life.
Lillie Frances Kemp-Stewart went to be with the Lord on May 22, 2024. She is survived by her twin Arthur Brooks Kemp of Raeford, NC, daughter Sharon Renee Cooper (Calvin) of Fort Washington, MD, son Wilbert Stewart, Jr. (Judi) of Weeki Wachee, FL, grandson Alexander Stewart of Cambridge, MA, brother Milton J. Kemp (Margaret) of Raeford, NC, brother John M. Kemp (Margaret) of Raeford, NC, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents J.D. and Marzetter, her brothers James and Leo, and sisters Lela, Louise, Pearlie, Thelma, Mary, and Marzetter Ruth.
Lillie Frances Kemp-Stewart’s life was highlighted by the love she showed for her God, family and friends. While she will sorely be missed, we acknowledge that she is in a better place, and are happy and grateful to have been blessed to have known her.
Previous Events
Visitation
6
Jun
9429 Santoro Street
Spring Hill, FL 34608
Service
6
Jun
9429 Santoro Street
Spring Hill, FL 34608
