Born April 24, 1929 to Andrew Lee Duvall & Addie Roberson Duvall, Sara Agnes “Sib” Duvall Stewart was the eighth of 13 children. Sib and her siblings were raised in Rock Spring and LaFayette, where she met her late husband, Richard Anderson Stewart. They married on Christmas Day 1947 and raised five children, all of whom survive her. Chris Suits, Cathy Cureton, Clay (Laurie) Stewart, Carey (Susie) Stewart and Craig (Carola) Stewart.
Nana, as she was affectionately referred to by her children, grandchildren and most anyone close to her, was admired for kind heart, independence, life of simplicity and her unwavering loyalty to her family. She was a wonderful cook, who will always be remembered for her homemade biscuits, chili, fried chicken and her “Nana” tea. She rarely used a recipe, but when she did it was usually one that had been passed down by her mother or sisters.
An avid gardener, she had two green thumbs and could always resurrect the near-death plants that her various granddaughters would bring to her. She always had fresh flowers in her home and has passed her love of gardening to many of her children and grandchildren. Her sister, Annie Duvall Ridge, owned and operated Ann-Other Florist on the square in Trenton. Sib worked alongside her for years, creating beautiful arrangements to help family’s celebrate special occasions and honor their loved ones in passing. She continued to work and help the new owner’s transition into Dade County and learn the inner workings of such a tight-knit community. She decided one day she was done and retired that very day. Once she made her mind up about something there was no changing it.
She spent her retirement on “the corner,” as many came to affectionately call her home. Her days were filled with yard work, gardening, cooking and babysitting grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When you dropped by for a glass of sweet tea, she would sometimes, depending on the day, laugh and point to a sign hanging in her kitchen that read “Raising children is like being pecked to death by chickens.”
Three grandchildren were born within a five-year span and they broke her in well with her new “Nana” title. They played hard and mischievous most of the time, and as she popped them with the “switch” she let them pick, she was always firm but fair. There was an eight-year lull before the next six grandchildren came along and she remained fair and sometimes firm, but softened with age, and they got by with much more. By the time the three great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great grandchild arrived, they could do anything they wanted.
Sib instilled in all of her family, the importance of family and what it meant to be there for each other. Many holidays and traditions were started on Nana’s corner that are sure to be carried on for generations to come. Fish fries, Easter egg hunts and Sunday dinners are just a few that come to mind.
Her value of family and instilling the importance of a family bond was evident to the end. Her one wish has always been that she pass away at home with her dignity, and not be placed in a nursing home. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren honored that wish to the end, providing 24-hour care for her the past three and a half years, and she passed peacefully at home Oct. 25.
The family would like to thank Tapestry Hospice, Ann Hall Avina & Shelby Maddox for their incredible care they gave and the love and compassion they showed her.
Sib is predeceased by her husband, Richard Anderson (Dick) Stewart; brothers, John and Tom Duvall; her Duvall sisters, Helen Kelsey, Pauline Hurd, Clara Romer, Edith Cook, Dot Smith, Kat Capers and Annie Ridge; and her son-in-law, Johnny Suits, Sr.
Other than her children, Sib is survived by three siblings, Jenny Duvall Davis, Dan Duvall and Brenda Duvall Campbell; grandchildren, Laura Cureton Cross, Johnny Suits Jr., Lee Cureton, Adam (Katie) Stewart, Aaron(Helen) Stewart, Kali (Dan) Cannon, Katie (Austin) Hale, Blake (Erica) Stewart and Baylor Stewart; great-grandchildren, Maverick (Hannah) Suits, Zach Cross and Beth Cross; great-great-grandchildren, Addie Stewart, Juliette Stewart, Henry Stewart, Benjamin Stewart, Averi Hale, Carley Cannon, Claire Cannon and Andi Hale; great-great-great-granddaughter, Evie Suits; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place Wednesday, Oct. 27 from 5-8 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home and Thursday, Oct. 28 from 10-11 a.m., with a service immediately following. Burial will be at Trenton Baptist Cemetery. Ricky Studdard will officiate & grandsons will serve as pallbearers.