Helen O’Neal Stewart, 87, formerly of Rocky Mountain Way, Arden, entered into eternal life Saturday, June 28, 2008 at The Golden Living Center.  A native of Johnson City, TN, she had also resided in Asheville, Brevard and Shallotte, NC.  She was daughter of the late George Earl and Lillian Thomerson O’Neal.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Colonel (retired) Robert P. Stewart and a brother, Roy Judson O’Neal.

     Helen was blessed with a beautiful voice and had a successful singing career early in her life.  She had a TV Show at WBTV in Charlotte and sang at many events and clubs, as well as, entertained the troops with the USO during WWII.  She gave up this career so that she could raise a large family and she instilled a love of music into all of her children and grandchildren.  She owned and operated “The Yarn Peddler” in Brevard where she taught needlepoint and crafts.  She was a former member of St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Guild and was an avid golfer. 

     She had an outgoing personality and sense of humor that endeared her to everyone she met.  She will be greatly missed.

     She is survived by her loving sons, Michael and his wife, Susan, of Rutherfordton; Stephen and his wife, Luciene, of Weaverville and David and his wife, Debbie, of Franklin; a daughter, Helen Anne Stewart of Rutherfordton; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

     A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, July 3, 2008 in the Chapel of Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue with Rev. C. W. Anthony officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service.