Stewart, Florence Perkins (Mrs. Henry L. “Teddy”)

2/7/2006

January 12, 1918 - February 7, 2006

On Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at 11:45 am, the heavens rejoiced at the entrance of Florence Perkins Stewart. “Tete” as she was popularly known, was born to Louise and Henry Perkins on January 12, 1918 on Holland Farms known as Sauve Plantation in River Ridge, Louisiana. Her grandparents, Monroe and Odeal Simon Johnson, were farmers. “Tete” shared her home with her one and only loving brother, Robert Perkins. She was educated in Kenner, Louisiana. She married Henry L. “Teddy” Stewart in 1933 and they were blessed with six children: Irma, Henry (Man), Harold, Harville, Equilla, and Hiram.
The Stewart home was always filled with love, laughter, and warmth. No matter how many children there were, there were always a few more visiting children who wanted to be in the midst of this family with so much activity. “Tete” always cooked delicious meals and maintained an immaculate home. “Teddy” was always busy with some organization, campaign, church or school activity or repairing cars. Education was important to “Tete” and “Teddy” and they worked hard to make sure that the children graduated from high school and college. They also stressed that people owed something to their community and should perform community service to improve the quality of life for all. “Tete” loved her church, Thomas United Methodist Church. She prided herself on her perfect attendance.
“Tete” was a quite person, but very strong, intelligent, determined, and positive. She was so determined that she and Hiram stayed home and braved the ravages of Hurricane Katrina. She was a life long member of the Providence Saint Mark Benevolent Society, the Communion Stewardess Board, the senior choir, and the Concerned Citizens’ Civic Coalition (4 C’s). “Tete” had an air of sophistication and class. She was in the true sense, a real “Lady”. She was a real mother, a real wife and a true friend. She will be missed greatly by her children, Irma S. Harvey, Henry L, III, Harold, Harville, Equilla Stewart Pitts, and especially Hiram, her devoted youngest. Her absence will leave a void for her loving brother, Robert Perkins, her eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and fiends.
The world is a lot better for her having passed this way.
Henry Stewart
Source: Louisiana Conference Journal, 2006