Mrs. Mae Rose Steward

Mother Mae Rose Steward was born in Winter Park, Florida March 1, 1931 to the late Roosevelt Holloman Sr. and Vera Holloman McPherson. She was preceded in death by both parents, stepfather Eddie McPherson and brother, Roosevelt Holloman Jr. Mother Steward attended Orange County Public Schools and graduated from Hungerford High School, where she was a member of the basketball team. After graduation, she attended Florida Memorial College. Mother Steward accepted Christ at an early age and became a life-long committed member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Winter Park, FL for close to 80 years. She was the oldest living member as well as the longest standing member. Mother Steward served Bethel as Youth Choir President, Member of Choir #1, President and Charter Member of Choir # 3, President of the Mass Choir, Sr. Mission President, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher, Floral and Decoration Committee, Kitchen Manager, Youth Supervisor for 35 plus years, and Youth Director Emeritus. Mother Steward was also very active with Congress #2 and the First South Florida Association. She was the Tabulator for the Youth Department of Congress and Recording Secretary for the Youth Department of the Association. She continuously took her youth to participate in the convening sessions of Congress and the Association. Mother Steward worked over 30 years for Welbourne Day Nursery and Kindergarten in Winter Park, FL. Her roles included working as a nursery caretaker with the babies and later as the cook and dietician. Many remember her famous potato soup, tuna burgers and tuna with grits. After being sought out by families of young children, she became proprietor of the Steward Family Daycare for many years. In addition to the daycare, her home became a constant refuge for struggling parents needing overnight care for their children. Many children would remain in her home during the week and go home with their parents on the weekend. Mother Steward was known for her exceptional catering of special events throughout the Central Florida area such as family reunions, feeding the homeless, weddings, and many other events. After retiring, she later became a dedicated volunteer at Welbourne. Mother Steward had many passions. She was known for her delicious food and bake goods such as homemade soups, chicken pot pies, sweet potato pies, apple crisp, peach cobbler and bread pudding. She also enjoyed fishing, sewing, crocheting, watching and participating in sports, singing and gardening. She was known as the Winter Park “songbird”. She loved sharing fruits, vegetables and flowers from her garden. She would take flowers to the nursing home, sick and shut-in, family and friends. Mother Steward was married to the late Charles J. Steward. To this union, four children were born ~ Michael, Crystal, Reginald and Ophelia. Mae Rose was a dedicated and devoted mother. She provided transportation for afterschool activities and sporting events for her children and others in the neighborhood. She was very influential in the lives of her God children – Delissia Dyer, Trayvis McNeal, Ymeka McCain, Brandon Church and LaFaverian Jacobs. Mother Steward leaves to cherish her memories: four children ~ Michael (Althea) Steward of Columbia, SC, Crystal R. Steward of Winter Park, FL, Reginald (Cathy) Steward of Orlando, FL, Ophelia (Darryl) Richardson of Winter Park, FL.; one grandchild, Cortney Brooke Steward of Orlando, FL; four nieces and nephews, Michelle Holloman of Orlando, FL, Roosevelt Holloman, III of Orlando, FL, Todd Holloman of Indianapolis, IN, Darcia (Derrick) Harris of Ormond Beach, FL; and a host of other relatives and friends. A special thank you to the staff of Wayman Place Assisted Living Facility for the love and care of our dear mother for the last 2 years.

Tributes

Mrs. Mae Rose Steward

March 1, 1931 - July 11, 2018