Hampton,

Karolyn "Kay" Stewart, 88, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on February 6, 2021.

She was predeceased by the love of her life, Duncan Stewart, her precious daughter Cindy Jo Collier, her brother Norman Dean Deeter, and her best friend and dear sister Vanis Jean Irick.

Kay is survived by a large and loving family. Left to cherish her memory are her children Steve Collier (Paula) of Yorktown, Rick Collier of Yorktown, Duncan "Rocky" Stewart (Astrid) of Germany, Cammie Allen (David) of Memphis, and Susan Stewart-Kelley (Steve) of Hampton. Kay was also the beloved matriarch to 11 grandchildren (Stewart, Brandon, Joshua, Randi Jo, David, Christopher, Mitch, Jamie, Daniel, Lois, and Paul) and 10 precious great-grandchildren (Addison, Louis, Declan, Maren, Fynn, Romy, Piper, Thomas Duncan, Hayden, and Harper Lee).

Kay was born in Greenville, Ohio, the precocious youngest child of Albert and Ada Deeter. She spent many happy early years with her large extended family in Ohio farm country and, while a transplanted Virginian for 58 years, always held a fondness for her Midwestern roots.  Kay studied Physical Education at Manchester College and could play just about any sport -- from synchronized swimming to tennis.

Kay was a gifted artist. From stage backdrops to woodworking, beautiful lettering, and oil paintings, her talented hands never met a project they couldn't master. She brought those talents to nurturing small children as a teacher's aide at Francis Asbury Elementary School and Cook's Day School. Having grown up singing in church and with an appreciation for music, Kay also found joy as an alto in church choirs as well as 20 years with the Virginia Choral Society. Besides art and music, she loved animals, birds (especially her beloved purple martins), sunsets, and the natural beauty surrounding her waterfront home on Windmill Point.

Kay met her beloved husband Duncan in 1965. The two spent 30 wonderful years together, raising their combined families in a warm and loving home, and showing their devotion to one another and their family every day.  Kay's gentle kindness and generous hospitality were legendary, and she embraced all who walked into her life and home with unconditional love and acceptance.

Kay's last years were spent surrounded and supported by devoted caregivers. Our eternal thanks go to Vickie Jones and Melissa Marks, who lovingly cared for her as their own.

A private service for immediate family will be held in the near term followed by a larger celebration of life at a later date when friends and family can safely gather together. Memorial contributions can be made to Fox Hill Central United Methodist Church and the Women's Alzheimer's Movement ( https://donate.thewomensalzheimersmovement.org/ ).

Due to Covid, the family will have a private graveside service at 2 PM Sunday, April 4.  The service will be live streamed on the funeral home Facebook page or you Click Here to watch beginning at 1:58 PM.    Arrangements are by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in Hampton, 757-723-3191.