Armelda "Meldie" McKnight Stewart

Armelda “Meldie” McKnight Stewart, 89, went to be with the Lord on November 7, 2026. Born December 12, 1936, in Marietta, Ohio to Clarence and Helen McKnight who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in passing are Sisters-In-Law Nancy Miracle and Dee McKnight, Brothers-in-Law Ron and Don Stewart and one nephew Matt McKnight.

Armelda is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Robert C. Stewart of Cary, NC; her children, Lauren (Brian) Scarberry of Peters Township, PA, Bill (Betsy) Stewart of Cary, NC, and Vic (Tena) Stewart of Ellijay, GA; her brother, Keith McKnight; her treasured grandchildren, James (Brittany) and Jacquelyn Scarberry, Ryan (Maureen), Brad, and Jeff Stewart, Erin (Zack) Stewart Byrd, Ian (Darby) and Dylan Stewart, and Thomas (Haley) and Tanner (Rachel) Davis; four nieces; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Meldie built a life centered on family, education, faith, and service. Her childhood memories were rooted in the love of her parents, whose care gave her and her brother, Keith, a lasting sense of security even during the hardships of wartime. Meldie was a 1958 graduate of The Ohio State University, where she also served as treasurer as well as Executive Director of the official student cheering section known as Block O.

On June 28, 1958, she married her husband and together they reared Lauren, Bill, and Vic, working hard to give their children a good life. Being a mother and grandmother held a special place in her heart and her grandchildren affectionally called her “Nanny”. As she wrote, “Happiness is when you realize your children have turned out to be good people.”

A college graduate and dedicated educator, Armelda began teaching fifth grade in Marietta Public Schools in 1958. Her teaching career included kindergarten and language arts in Marietta, followed by English instruction for seventh- and eighth-grade students, including gifted and talented classes, in Peters Township, PA. In New Jersey, she continued substitute teaching while making time to care for her parents.

Her commitment to service extended well beyond the classroom. Through the West Virginia Jr. Women’s Club, she helped establish a public kindergarten and taught there to keep it operating. She also worked to improve mental health programs and facilities, was named Woman of the Year, and became a district chairman. Her involvement in Alpha Delta Pi sorority began in college, she later became involved again, serving as national chairman of the Mother/Parent’s Club when Lauren pledged the sorority.

Wherever life took her, Armelda found ways to contribute. She served as secretary of her homeowner’s association in New Jersey and later operated beauty salons in Savannah—though, in her words, that was “not nearly as much fun as teaching.” Faith and music were enduring parts of her life through Sunday school teaching, church music ministry, church and community choirs, and served on the Church of Kildare’s Care Committee, where she wrote personalized notes to individuals and families of those on the Prayer List requests. Her reflections offer a portrait of a woman who treasured her children, valued learning, and selflessly gave her time to others. The love at the heart of her story is captured in the closing words included with her life notes: “Don’t learn to live without me. Just learn to live my love in a different way.” 

Celebration of Life services to honor and celebrate Meldie’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from the East Lawn Chapel at East Lawn Memorial Park with Reverend Michael Seely. Interment will follow in the East Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations can be made to the American Cancer Society’s Pride, Love & Joy Relay for Life Organization with the following link. Bit.ly/MeldieRFL