Leah Venable Stewart

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.