Birth Date: 03/05/1945
Deceased Date: 09/12/2023
Harriette Stewart, age 78, was called home on September 12, 2023, at UNC Johnston Health in Smithfield, NC. Born in Johnston County on March 5, 1945, she was 1 of 10 children born to the late John Henry Stewart and Diccy Carroll Stewart.
Harriette was a loving mother who spent her lifetime caring for others as well. She was a foster parent and caregiver for over 40 years. She put her heart and soul into caring for mistreated and/or abandoned children of all ages; and never once treated them any differently from her own.
Although she was a woman of “acquired taste” she had the BIGGEST heart and lead her life by the mantra “you don’t have to be blood related to love or care for someone.” She was also a person whom quite a few people confided in as she was the most nonjudgmental woman you will ever meet. She NEVER sugarcoated anything, and everyone who confided in her knew that they would get nothing but the truth, if they asked her opinion. Last but certainly not least, she was a woman of strong conviction, great fashion sense, the life of any party, and had a smile that could light up a room.
In addition to her parents, Harriette was preceded in death by her first and only husband, Cleveland Graves Sr.; her sister Evelyn Stewart; her brothers Troy Stewart, Archie Stewart, Bobby Lee Stewart, and Jack Benny Stewart.
She is survived by 4 siblings; Jeff Stewart, Larry Noble Stewart, Lena Pearce and Lois Williams; 4 children; Cleveland Graves Jr., Tamieka Fields, Yuseff Stewart and Archie Stewart; 2 Granddaughters Nzea McQuitery and Makayla Stewart; and a host of other family and friends.
Special mention to her cousin Linda Mincey; her nephew Shakema Stewart; and her great niece Amber Olanrewaju who helped take care of, was a listening ear and/or voice of encouragement for Harriette whether near or afar…THANK YOU! Also, to her close friends Mary Frances, Maggie and Ada, you were true, lifelong friends and she loved and cherished your relationships dearly…THANK YOU!
A burial will not take place as it was Harriette’s final wish to be cremated.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.
