Marcia Vonice Stewart, 85, of Alma, GA, departed to be with her Savior on September 12, 2024 surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on December 13, 1938, in Blackshear, Georgia, Vonice was the cherished daughter of James Alvin and Pearlie Pauline Swindle. After graduating from Bacon County High School in 1956, she pursued her dream of nursing at the Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Atlanta. Upon earning her RN, she returned to Alma where she began her career at the Bacon County Hospital.  One of her fondest memories was her first day on the job, where, in addition to managing the Emergency Room and Operating Room, she delivered a baby when the physician was delayed.

In 1960, Vonice married the love of her life, Bobby Eugene Stewart, an Alma native and also a Bacon County High School graduate. Together, they built a life full of love and laughter, welcoming two daughters, Meloni and Brenda. The family moved to St Mary's, Georgia and later Marietta, Georgia where Vonice continued her nursing career at Kennestone Hospital and Cobb General Hospital. Vonice had a deep passion for singing, whether it was performing an alto solo, joining a ladies' ensemble, or lending her voice to the church choir. She instilled a love for music in both of her daughters, inspired Meloni to follow in her footsteps as a nurse, and showered everyone around her with her kind and gracious spirit. She was an amazing mother, a talented homemaker, and a skilled cook, gardener and seamstress, sewing everything from prom dresses to Barbie clothes. She took great joy in serving her family delicacies such as her renowned pecan pie and blueberry delight.  She was affectionately called Nana by her five grandchildren who cherished her hand-sewn baby pillows and her special treats, including memorable s'mores by the campfire, chocolate layer cake, and the most delicious waffles ever. She had a wonderful talent for creating special memories, and she did so with great success.

Vonice is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Bobby Eugene Stewart, her children Meloni Franz (Rocky), and Brenda Robles (Ringo); her five grandchildren, Olivia Franz Jaggers (Sherman), Christian Robles (Callie), Raegan Robles Ferro (Danny), Aaron Robles Jr, and Brennan Robles; and her new great-grandson, Otto Jaggers. She is also survived by her sister, Sherry Aycock, and many beloved nieces and nephews from both the Swindle and Stewart families. She was preceded in death by her parents James Alvin "J.A." Swindle and Pearlie Pauline "Pearl" Swindle and her brother, James Edward "Jimmy" Swindle.

A celebration of Vonice's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the Crosby Funeral Home at 207 W 12th St, Alma, Georgia, 31510. The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday, September 14, 2024  from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Active pallbearers will be Brennan Robles, Aaron Robles Jr, Christian Robles, Sherman Jaggers, Danny Ferro and Keith Hawkins.  Honorary pallbearers will be Carolyn Jackson, Holly Taylor, Kim Waters and the Bethany Hospice staff. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Friendship Baptist Church, PO Box 688 Alma, GA 31510, or to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Vonice's honor.

The Stewart family extends heartfelt thanks to her caregivers—Carolyn Jackson, Holly Taylor, and Kim Waters—who became like family through their loving care. Special appreciation also goes to the Bethany Hospice staff for their compassionate support, Reverend Jimmy Miles and Friendship Baptist Church for the many meals and acts of service, as well as many family and friends who have been the hands and feet of Jesus and have supported Vonice with such compassion and grace "...Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40.