The Shadow
Darryl
Everett Stewart
Darryl Everett Stewart, loving husband & father, departed from this world on December 17, 2024, at the age of 57.
Born January 7, 1967, in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina to Macelia White and Carlee Stewart, Darryl was the middle sibling to older sister Carlene, and baby brother Brian.
Raised in Covington, Virginia, Darryl spent his primary years at Jeter Watson Elementary School. During this time, he gained an additional parent, Raymond, who aided in raising the God-fearing man Darryl became. A member of Pine Street Baptist Church, Darryl was baptized under the leadership of Rev. Henry A. Townes and was an active member of the youth choir. He was always willing to help when needed, which included maintaining the church grounds every weekend. Darryl attended Covington High School where he became known as an all-star athlete, effortlessly excelling in basketball, baseball, and football. In 1984, his football team, the Covington Cougars (13-1), won the state championship which cemented the team’s bond for life.
Shortly after graduating high school, Darryl enlisted into the United States Army in 1987, which turned out to be one of the most memorable times of his life. It was during early enlistment that his daughter, Jaana Marie Rose-Stewart, was born (1995). Darryl went on to create a lifelong brotherhood with his fellow brothers-in-arms during multiple deployments, including Saudi Arabia (Operation Enduring Freedom), Bosnia, and Kosovo.
Darryl had many Military Occupational Specialties, including but not limited to: Automatic Rifle Man, Grenadier, Cannon Crewmember, Radio Telephone Operator, and Diesel Mechanic. With his expertise and knowledge, Darryl accumulated multiple Army achievement medals and honors including the National Defense Service Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Bronze Star, and a multitude of other accolades. It was also during this time that Darryl won the most important prize of all, his lovely wife, Tonja, who would proudly walk alongside him on his journey. In 2004, Darryl’s namesake, Darryl Everett Stewart, Jr. “DJ” was born.
Darryl retired after 30 years of military service, and his sacrifice and commitment to his country will forever be memorialized in our hearts. After retirement, he worked as a CDL truck driver for companies including Coca Cola, US Foods and lastly Holiday Ice.
Darryl was preceded in death by his father, Carlee Stewart, maternal grandparents, Tassie & Stuart White, and paternal grandparents, Preston & Lillie Stewart. He leaves to cherish his memory his beautiful, devoted wife Tonja Stewart; his children, Darryl Stewart, Jr., Jaana Rose-Stewart, and his granddaughter, Jariah Rose-Davis; his parents, Raymond & Macelia Hunter; mother-In-law, Mary Law-Savage; father-in-law, Norman Savage; his siblings, Carlene Stewart and Brian Stewart (Tina); brothers-In-law, Timothy Savage and Christopher Savage; Goddaughter, Kailin Burwell (son Jah’son), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. He leaves behind two special people in his life, his longtime best friend & brother-in-arms, Kenneth Payne; his loving homecare nurse of six months, Anita “Nita” who lovingly assisted him during the most challenging time in his life; and lastly, his loyal four-legged companions, Biscuit, Gravy, and Magnum.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Pine Street Baptist Church, 347 East Pine Street in Covington, VA 24426. Interment will follow at a later date at Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, VA.
Arrangements by Oakey’s Funeral Service – South Chapel, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131.
