Fannie Cephous-Stewart was born in Fayetteville, NC on May 17, 1926. She was the daughter of Henry Curry and Ella Mae Curry and sister to Henry Williams and Edna Bea Davis of Newport News, VA.

On Friday, November 25, 2022, while in the company of loved ones and Riverside Hospital caregivers, Ms. Fannie transitioned peacefully into God's Heavenly Kingdom.

Due to the untimely death of her father (Henry), and financial difficulties at home, Fannie moved to Harlem, NY, where she was cherished and raised by her aunt and uncle as their only child. At the age of sixteen, Fannie worked as an usher for the famous Apollo Theater. Fannie and her girlfriends would often sneak out early and travel a few blocks uptown to the Savoy Ballroom to flirt with the boys and learn the new "Swing" moves on the dance floor.

Upon completing her high school education in NY, Fannie entered Hunter College and received her B.A. degree. Not sure of the directions to take with this degree, Fannie chose to be a social worker, helping underserved women and children obtain decent housing, clothing, and food. Ms. Fannie loved this field of employment, though at times it proved to be most frustrating. She felt a great joy upon seeing the results of her efforts when families were made whole and comfortable. With many years of long hours and hard work, Fannie was promoted through the ranks and retired as the department manager for the city of New York.

In 1963, Fannie married Dr. Milton Cephous, pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church, Bronx, NY. Unfortunately, Dr. Cephous succumbed to cancer and went home to his heavenly father in 1988. Desiring to be near family, Fannie moved to Hampton, VA. Soon thereafter, her now husband John Stewart (also widowed) purchased a home directly across the street from Ms. Fannie.  John being inquisitive as to the status of this lovely lady, spoke to their postal carrier (Joe) who introduced them and invited both to his church for a special Sunday afternoon program. From that Sunday and for the next thirty years they held hands and attended church services together.

As a member of First Baptist Church East End, Fannie was affiliated and continually active with the church Missionary Ministry and the League of Christian Women.

John and Fannie traveled extensively all over the world, visiting the Far East from Hong Kong to Singapore, the Mediterranean from Istanbul to Spain, Central/South America from Columbia to Chile, and numerous ports throughout the Caribbean.

Ms. Fannie lived a long and blessed life and was loved by all who met her. Never one to gossip or utter unkind words, she was always in touch with the feelings of others. Fannie leaves cherished memories with her God-given children Brian and Sabrina McMahan, John Anthony Stewart (Donna), Eric Stewart and granddaughter Janiece Stewart, along with a host of family and friends.

We often hear the term, "words cannot express;" this expression of gratitude would most certainly apply to the Infusion Staff and Kerry McGuire (NP) of Riverside hospital.  For the past year and a half, they all strived to embrace Fannie with heartfelt love and affection, while making her most comfortable as a member of their family.

Visitation and viewing will be on Monday, December 5, 2022, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home, located at 3009 Chestnut Ave., Newport News, VA 23607. The funeral will be on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, at First Baptist Church East End, 3000 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, VA 23607 at 11:00 am. Following the funeral service, the Interment will be held at Hampton Memorial Gardens in Hampton, VA 23666.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.