Gloria C. Stewart

GLORIA SYLVIA CONWAY STEWART, “Sugar Baby”, was born on October 14, 1940, in Rhodesdale, Maryland, to the late Arthur and Susie Conway. She was the twelfth of fourteen children in a close-knit family rooted in love and tradition. A woman of quiet strength, clear purpose, and unwavering faith, Gloria’s life was a testament to service, love, and community. Her presence was steady and her heart generous. The values instilled in her from an early age would shape a life of purpose and impact. She began her education in the public schools of Dorchester County, graduating from Mace’s Lane High School in Cambridge, MD in 1958. Her academic journey continued at Maryland State College (now University of Maryland Eastern Shore) where she majored in Social Work. Twenty years later, she completed a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Howard University. Her dedication to learning shaped a remarkable career and enriched the many lives she touched. Gloria met the love of her life, Charles H. Stewart, Jr, after moving to Baltimore. As a devoted husband, he remains to cherish her memory. From this union, God gifted them with a daughter, Vanessa Renee, who is the light of their lives. They would later be graced with a son-in-love, Kevin Kimbo, Sr., who with Vanessa blessed them with two wonderful grandchildren Kevin, Jr (“Kevie”) and Kelly (“Butterfly”). As a good and faithful servant, Gloria dedicated her professional career as a social worker to the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, where she worked across a range of vital programs including Income Maintenance, Foster Care Protective Services, Adult Day Care, Single Parent Services, and Services for Families and Teens. After her retirement in 1992, she continued giving back as a substitute teacher in Baltimore City and County, shaping young minds with the same dedication she brought to her social work. Gloria’s spiritual service was equally impactful. She grew up in Zorah Methodist Church in Petersburg, MD and after moving to Baltimore became a devoted member of Union Bethel AME Church in 1972. There she sang in various choirs, helped establish the Helping Hands Ministry, Steward and Stewardess Board, and was a dedicated member of the Senior Outreach Program. Her commitment to church and community were deep and enduring. Since 1965, she faithfully returned each second Sunday in October to her home church in Petersburg/Hurlock for Homecoming Services with her family--a treasured tradition. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc whose mission and purpose are built on being of “service to all mankind”. Gloria loved reading, attending movies, and rarely missed her high school reunions. Her spirit of fun and friendship was evident by her membership in the Red Hat Society and her love for the game Tripoley, which she played monthly with two groups of close friends for over 30 years. She also enjoyed traveling. These adventures took her across the country and abroad bringing her great joy. Known for being organized, time-oriented, and dependable, Gloria was the go-to person in her family for facts, memories, and reliable information. Her laughter, wisdom, and strong presence brought comfort and joy to all who knew her. Gloria leaves behind a legacy of grace, compassion, and steadfast faith. She is survived by her beloved husband Charles H.Stewart, Jr.; her cherished daughter Vanessa S. Kimbo (Kevin); treasured grandchildren Kevin and Kelly; her sisters Dorothy Farrare, Thelma Gaddy, and Carolyn Green (Jacob) and brother Ronald Conway; sisters-in-law Carolyn Hughes, Charlene Gibbs, Theresa Stewart and brothers-in-law, Roland Stewart (Rebecca) and Jerry Olney (Margaret); her lifelong friends, Jeanette Cephas, Enda Thornton, Bernice Hite, and Norma Bush. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were touched by her love and kindness. Though we are saddened by her passing, we celebrate a life beautifully lived.

Tributes

Gloria C. Stewart

October 14, 1940 - October 9, 2025