In Loving Memory of Leah Venable Stewart
January 15, 1977 – February 10, 2025
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” Psalm 73:26
Leah Venable Stewart, born on January 15, 1977, in Zachary, LA, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 10, 2025 after a heroic and inspirational battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme. She was a cherished mother, wife, daughter, sister, teacher, and friend, with a heart big enough for everyone she met.
Leah went by many names to different people. Her husband called her “honeydew melon,” her niece knew her as “honey,” and her dad called her Leah Patia. Regardless of what she went by, everyone knew her as a ray of joy and caring, with a smile that warmed hearts and a laugh that was infectious. Her journey through life was one marked by love, compassion, an undying dedication to her students and family, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many students whose lives were touched by her. We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who came to know and love her.
Leah is survived by her loving parents, Rodney and Bridget Venable (Brown), her devoted husband Shane Stewart, her cherished children Houston, Harrison, and Hollyn Stewart, and her dear sister Shelly Dehner and her husband Scott Dehner as well as by her mother and father-in-law Don and Diane Stewart and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Shona and Phil Phillips. She also leaves behind aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins who adored her dearly, along with her lifelong friends Dixie, Robyn, Robyn, Chanda, and Aunt Lorna, whom she considered her chosen family, along with her “fur baby” Farley.
She was predeceased by Maternal grandparents Len and Stella Brown, paternal grandparents Vernon and Doris Venable and uncles Stan Venable and Cliff Wheat.
After graduating from Live Oak High School, Leah pursued her love of education at Southeastern Louisiana University, earning her bachelor’s degree in teaching, graduating magna cum laude, and eventually earning her master’s degree in technology. After beginning her celebrated teaching career at Levi Milton in Walker, Leah moved to North Corbin Elementary, where she spent the majority of her 25-year career as a teacher before becoming a librarian at Walker Elementary. It was in these institutions of education that she touched the hearts of her students and fellow teachers alike. Her dedication to education and her students epitomized her caring and maternal instincts.
Anyone who knew Leah can recall her beautiful smile and jovial laughter, her deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and her unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered. She was blessed with the ability to make others smile and laugh, as well as a mind that was capable of organizing even the most chaotic and hasty events. Anyone who ever had the pleasure of working with her on anything, whether it be a vacation or an awards ceremony, was left with lasting amazement for her impeccable attention to detail and her uncanny ability to turn chaos into peace.
Although Leah’s beautiful aura and presence may no longer bless us, her bravery in the face of adversity, her love and dedication, and her giant-sized heart will always continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you walk with Jesus up there, our sweet angel, don’t forget to throw a smile our way sometimes in between all the bites of chocolate. We will miss you.
Arrangements for Leah Venable Stewart will be held at Live Oak Baptist Church,35603 Coxe Ave, Denham Springs, LA 70706 on Saturday February 22, 2025.
Visitation 12pm
Celebration of Life Service 2pm, with fellowship to follow.
We ask that in lieu of flowers, you can make donations that will be split between medical expenses and Glioblastoma Foundation in Leah’s name.
3 comments
Hazel Ritchie
February 19, 2025 at 4:35 am
I miss Ms.Leah so much, she was there for me when I started attending live oak baptist and when me and my mom were going through tough times, she would always make sure I was okay, I’m really gonna miss her, I pray that her kids, husband, and friends are all okay
Juanita tompley
February 13, 2025 at 6:26 pm
Leah, such an AMAZING SOUL, was my youngest daughter’s teacher. Her absolutely Beautiful soul touched so many souls. SUCH AN AWESOME, individual, I am honored to have had her grace my journey. MUCH LOVE for this INCREDIBLE human being!💋Soar High!
Phyllis Yarborough
February 13, 2025 at 5:52 pm
Your beautiful Obituary so lovingly shares with us (family and friends) the wonderful personality, beauty of body, soul, and spirit of Leah Venable Stewart! Leah lived a Biblical picture of a Godly woman of Faith, Love, Joy, and Hope for an eternity in the Presence of the LORD Jesus Christ, whom she loved and lived to display! My last conversation with her at her Uncle Stan Venable and his wife Cheryl’s 5Oth wedding anniversary celebration, was so uplifting as she shared her love for her husband and children! Her heart’s desire was for their good and God’s Glory to fill their hearts and lives with Purpose and a Plan for their Future, by Faith in the One who knew them, and Who was calling them to an abundant, fruitful life and glorious Life! Leah’s lifespan was short, but full and rich! She cherished family, friends, and strangers whom God sent on her pathway, teaching the students who were blessed to be in her classes, and imparting so much wisdom and knowledge she found in books, practical lessons of life, others’ experiences and above all, the WORD of GOD which contains the wisdom, knowledge, and admonition of the Creator, Author, Perfecter, and Giver of LIFE to ALL who open its pages to the “Greatest Story Ever Told and believe HIM”! Because HE LIVES, we will meet again dear Leah, and we will have a long time to talk, and laugh, and love being “Kin Folks”!