Wilma Stewart

Wilma Jean (Barker) Stewart, 93, of Plainfield, Illinois peacefully passed away on July 10th after a short illness.

Wilma was born in Ashford WV on September 6, 1932 to the late Denver and Fannie Barker. Wilma was also preceded in death by her husband Dewey Stewart Jr. who passed away in 1999; and two brothers Harold Barker and Gerald Barker.

She attended Sherman Tide High School. In 1961 she married and moved to Chicago where she married her soulmate Dewey Stewart Jr. of Ridgeview. They had one son, Mark. 

Wilma was a great mother and spouse who always found endless time to spend with her family. She loved all her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children. She was always there to lend a hand and heart to anyone and everyone needing help. She instilled her values in all of us. She enjoyed the outdoors, often taking in a Cubs baseball game or an occasional Bears game. In the summer months, lots of time was spent in her pool or at the Chicago Beaches on Lake Michigan or the Museums of Chicago. She spent many hours sitting on her patio enjoying her many flowers. Wilma and Junior treasured their many friends and relatives. They often spent a week at a time traveling back to West Virginia visiting and catching up with old friends. They also traveled around the country after they retired. They embraced every opportunity to visit new places and meet new friends. Another way Wilma kept connected with friends was sending out Christmas cards. It was a big deal to her every year. She would send out hundreds annually. She didn’t care if she got one in return, she was content just knowing she reached out to friends. Shortly after her husband passed, she developed macular degeneration causing her to have to give up driving and loosing much independence. She quickly adapted and didn’t let that get her down. She was all about enjoying the life God gave her. She moved in with her son (Mark) and his Fiancé (Michele) until her passing. While living with Mark she developed a large appreciation for music. It helped her cope with anxiety issues and became a great hobby that she enjoyed until the end of life. We will all miss her deeply.

A visitation will be held at the Ashford Church of God on Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Graveside service will follow with at the Barker cemetery in Ashford with the Reverend Randall Kinder officiating.

Handley Funeral Home is assisting the family