Charlina P. Stewart

Charlina Pecola Eaddy was born on September 30, 1941, the third of nine children of William and Eva (Burroughs) Eaddy.  As her younger siblings were born, Charlina’s nurturing nature quickly established her as “Mom #2” in the household.  She was not only the ‘go to’ person, but she was also the one who would ‘come with’ whatever was required to meet any need she perceived.  If it was guidance, she was able to provide wisdom.  If it was chastisement, she provided an instructive reprimand that one would not soon forget! If the need was compassion, she instinctively knew how to cover her siblings with love that soothed and healed bruises and wounds. Charlina always brought her full self to the table, her wit, her sharpness, her compassion, her feisty, sometimes fiery nature–she brought it all.  

Raised by loving Christian parents, Charlina accepted Christ at Amity Baptist Church in Inkster, Michigan.  Charlina’s musical talent was discovered at Carter Elementary School where she was often a featured soloist in plays and musical performances.  Her musical performances ended when she was eleven and the family moved to Milan.  The love for music never dissipated. 

Charlina grew up on a farm.  She knew how to drive a tractor, plant and harvest crops, and tend animals.  Through these experiences she developed a green thumb (just like her dad, she would brag).  She loved flowers and green plants and appreciated God’s presence in all living things.   She celebrated nature in her home and yard through beautiful displays of plants and flowers. A woman of beauty, she loved to be surrounded by the beauty of nature. 

Charlina married Grant Stewart on January 14, 1961.  They were blessed with three children, Grant Todd, Bonnie, and Anthony.   She was always present with her children.  She parented them with wisdom, always encouraging them to be thoughtful, intentional and present.   She demanded them to show up for their own lives, claim ownership, and make the “it” (whatever they wanted for their lives) happen.   She brought everything she learned home and taught as she nurtured.  

Charlina was always on a quest for knowledge—not just for herself, but knowledge to share with others. When she worked at Planned Parenthood, she taught her sisters birth control and family planning.  A childcare worker at Yorkwood Center, she learned child psychology skills developed by Dr. Fritz Radel.  It was through the development of those skills that she learned to ‘read’ children. She employed those skills at home with her children and her family at large.  She singlehandedly began the quest to eradicate the stigma of mental illness and helped her family understand the importance of safeguarding mental health.

Charlina knew how to manage, encourage, motivate and empower children.  She took the skills from Yorkwood to Clague Middle School where she was a pillar of the Black Student Union, The Saturday Morning Academy for African American Students, and the African American history program.  She did not just work there; she brought her full self and commitment to the children she served.  She challenged norms and systems on their behalf and taught them to do the same.  Charlina sparked dreams in youth who had never before learned to dream. She taught them to actualize their potential and manifest their dreams. She saw in them what they could not see and helped them to understand their level of giftedness and potential.   As she empowered students, she also empowered parents through her work with the Black Parents Support Group, and her board membership in the local chapter of the National Black Child Development Institute.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Equity Office deployed her throughout the district to teach conflict resolution and management skills to students and staff alike.  While she was adept at diffusing conflict, it would be a mistake to believe that she never engendered conflict.  Charlina knew that certain situations demanded conflict to precipitate change and stimulate growth.  In those times she was a willing and inspiring warrior!  In response to the world events of today, Charlina would not be on the sidelines–she would be actively involved in moving us forward.

Dr. John Hendrik Clark was her favorite historian.  She diligently studied the history of African Civilizations, the African presence in America and the legacy of education, invention, artistry, accomplishment, and the greatness of African and African American people. International travel to the African continent and countries of the African diaspora was a part of her study.   She taught that embedded in the DNA of Africans and their descendants was the power of creativity–the power of God!

A mentor par excellence, Charlina mentored her siblings, her children, her students, children in her community, her nieces and nephews, and her grandchildren.  Her reach has been long and wide.  She made all of us better people.

Charlina was preceded in death by her parents, William and Eva Eaddy and one nephew, Anthony Eaddy.  She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Grant, her children Grant Todd (Alicia) Stewart, Bonnie (Robert) Maxwell, Rev. Anthony (Karen) Stewart, eight siblings:  Rev. Frances (Tommy) Cannon, Rev. James (Betty) Eaddy, Doris Nunlee, Wilma (Willie Cleo) Bates, William (Doris) Eaddy, Anthony (Phyllis) Eaddy, Maurice Eaddy, and Min. Denise Eaddy-Richardson; six grandchildren Alexis and Alexandra Stewart, Robert and Charlina Maxwell, and Lee and Anthony (AJ) Stewart; one aunt, Eliza Black, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charlina P. Stewart, please visit our floral store.