Dorothy Barrington Stewart

Reverend Dorothy Jean Barrington Stewart was born on February 2, 1935, in Osteen, Florida to loving parents, Whitfield and Annie Barrington. After graduating from Kissimmee High School, Dorothy pursued her higher education at several prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). She attended Bethune Cookman College, Florida A&M University, and Edward Waters College, where she was crowned Miss Edward Waters in 1954. Her thirst for knowledge and commitment to serving her community would guide her throughout her life. Upon completing her education, Dorothy Jean dedicated her professional life to educating the next generation as a teacher for the Orange County School Board. She also worked as a lunchroom manager, sharing her culinary skills with students and staff. As a deeply devoted and active member of St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, Dorothy formed a youth choir. She later felt called to become an ordained minister, continuing to spread her faith and passion for service. In her later years, Reverend Dorothy Jean Stewart joined Harvest Time Ministries, where she found great fulfillment in her spiritual journey. She was also Church Mother of Inspirational Life Ministries. Dorothy was also incredibly talented with an impressive array of hobbies and skills. She was an avid seamstress who loved to design and sew. She was a world class cook with exceptional baking skills, creating the most amazingly, beautifully decorated cakes that were both stunning to look at as well as delicious to eat. Another thing Dorothy loved to do was create breathtaking floral arrangements. She could sing, play the piano, and was a master storyteller. Dorothy Jean was just all around amazing. Despite her many talents, Dorothy Jean remained humble, generous, and loving to all. Dorothy’s greatest source of joy and fulfillment was her beloved family. A role she cherished more than anything was that of a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt, etc. She poured her heart and soul into nurturing them all. Her face would light up with pure unconditional love and joy whenever she spoke of her family. We will deeply miss her beautiful smile, her kind and loving heart and her zest for life (she loved to travel and shop at Ross). Her first love was God and second was people. She never met a stranger, and she inspired all whose lives she touched. Her legacy of faith and boundless love will be etched in our hearts forever. Reverend Dorothy Jean, we love you and miss you. Reverend Dorothy Jean passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024 at the age of 89. She was a vibrant spirit whose passion and love touched all who knew her. Reverend Dorothy Stewart was preceded in death by her Husband, Reverend Daniel Stewart; Parents: Whitfield and Annie Barrington; Sons: Paul Counts, Jr., William Rackard, Jr., and Keith Arnez Counts; Brothers: Chester Barrington, Winfred Barrington, Sr., and Mancer Barrington, Sr.; Grandson, Lamont Ashley; Brothers-in-law: Earnest Flowers and Columbus Johnson. Left to cherish her memory are her Children: LaBarbara Dhaliwal (Talwinder) of Goodyear, AZ, Mark Rackard (Kim) of Charlotte, NC, Venus Rackard, Sonya Rackard, and Delano Rackard, all of Orlando, FL, Maggie Walthour of West Palm Beach, FL, and William Stewart of St. Paul, NC; Siblings: Whitfield Barrington, IV (Ackley), Robert Barrington (Mary), both of Orlando, FL, Valorye Flowers of Wetumpka, AL, Saundra Johnson of Orlando, FL, and Charlotte Perry (Jerome) of Blakely, GA, 24 Grandchildren, 27 Great Grandchildren, 9 Great-Great Grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.

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Dorothy Barrington Stewart

February 2, 1935 - July 6, 2024