By Chuck Stewart, Jr.(Wappingers Falls) - It has been more than 90 years since Irene Spears-Stewart was born in Kelton, South Carolina to the late Mrs. Ola Holly-Spears and Mr. Choice Spears. But you would think it was yesterday if you sat down and listened to her talk about childhood memories with her siblings Kelly, Matthew, Curtis, Gertrude and Willie.
She recounted how she met her husband Willie. It all began when her parents accepted a first cousin, Saul Walker, into their home after his mother passed. Saul was a friend of Willie Stewart. Saul would introduce Willie to her one day, and as they say, the rest is history. Irene and Willie would eventually marry and give birth to seven children; James, Andrena, Willie, Charles, Wilma, Curtis and Claude.
Later Irene and Willie migrated north with their family, to Beacon, New York, in search of a better opportunity. After arriving in Beacon, Irene immediately joined Springfield Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Mattie Cooper. She later changed her membership to Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church, under the direction of Rev. Garfield Farley. She has been a member of that church for the past forty years and has served in various capacities including Pastor Aide, Missionary and Deaconess.
Irene will tell you that her work is never done. After she completed the parenting of her own children, her new found mission was with her grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. They would energize her for many of the days and nights of her life and have been the fundamental source for her very sustained, alert and vibrant life.
This past Sunday, a very special tribute was organized to celebrate Mrs. Irene Spears-Stewart’s ninety year journey on Earth. Family and friends came from near and far to express their love to a great woman who has touched so many lives. With the reading of cards, expressions of love through song and dance, kind words from children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, she was overwhelmed with joy that filled her heart. City of Beacon Councilwoman Eleanor Thompson, presented Irene with an official proclamation naming Sunday, September 3, 2006 Irene Spears-Stewart Day in the City of Beacon.
