~ Linda Alice Dunbar-Stewart ~
On October 22, 2024, surrounded by the Love of her devoted children, Linda Stewart set sail
for her trip to Eternity. Born into this world as Linda Alice Dunbar on March 20, 1950, to
Thelma Haskett and John Marshall Dunbar, she began her Life’s Journey. On the road of
that journey, her path crossed that of Dennis Stewart, who she married and walked through
life with for over 45 years, until his passing in 2019. Linda and Dennis produced two
wonderful children into this world, Eros and Cherub. And Linda lived to see and enjoy the
love and beauty of her granddaughters, Amala (Cherub) and Hendrix (Eros). Her
granddaughters, Amala and Hendrix were Sources of Sweetness that rounded out her life
and magnified her joy.
Linda’s professional career led her to Jacksonville’s Florida Community College (now Florida
State College at Jacksonville), where she worked as a Specialist in the Department of
Services for Disabled Students, as well as job placement for those students. Linda not only
helped disabled students navigate the educational system so that they received maximum
assistance and opportunities, but she also recruited people from the community to work
alongside students in the classrooms, assisting the partially blind, deaf and hard of hearing,
and those who could not use their hands to take essential notes for their study references.
Through many of those connections that were initiated by Linda’s professional and
empathetic foresight, relationships were formed between people who might have never
known each other’s value. She often talked about the great potential she saw in disabled
students who made their way to class “by any means necessary”, and the respect she had for
their determination. She was dedicated to the students, not only for quality educational
opportunities but also an improved quality of life. She made a positive impact on many lives.
One of the “Drivers” of Linda’s life was Music. She (and Dennis) was a human fixture at
many of Jacksonville’s jazz festivals and music venues. An iconic photo of her “jamming” at
a jazz festival with her tambourine landed in the pages of the Florida Times-Union
newspaper. Her love for music, fashion, style and vibrant colors was her trademark...it was
what made her, LINDA!
Linda’s consistent focus throughout her life has been Family. And she imparted her love and
knowledge into her children. In one of the last conversations that she held with a longtime
friend, she talked with great love and pride about the strength that her children, Eros and
Cherub lent to her in her final days...how they were the Cornerstones of her life. Her words
were infused with Gratitude, so much Respect...and Peace.
Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis Stewart (2019), father, John
Marshall Dunbar (1949), mother, Thelma Haskett (2003), stepfather, Walter Caldwell (1989),
brother, Edmund David Dunbar (1995) and nephews, Brian and Dawad Dunbar.
Linda leaves precious memories to cherish to her son, Eros (Shayla), daughter, Cherub,
granddaughters, Amala and Hendrix; siblings: Gloria Spratley Griggs, Sarah Dyan Dunbar
Anderson and John Marshall Dunbar, Jr.; sister-in-law, Pamela Dunbar; nieces and nephews: Todd Anderson, Victor Griggs,
Rhonda Griggs, Rita Griggs, Medina Hasan, Shay Dunbar, Yesina Dunbar, Ryan Dunbar, Hakim Dunbar,
Niema Dunbar, as well as several third generation nieces and nephews, and brother-in-law,
Michael Stewart (Lydia, Marcus, Patrick and Maya). A host of sorrowing friends will also
remember and cherish the life of Linda Alice Dunbar- Stewart.
Kit October 25, 2024
I met Linda in 1985. When I started college she was a big source of my life today she never let me give up. I am the person I am today because of her he made sure I was able to complete college and have good work ethics I am so glad to be a part of her family. I have known her family since 1985 one of the things me and Lynnda had in common with music especially Jazz I remember my first day meeting her. I had my portable CD player and I was listening to Joe Sample Spellbound hey can I listen to that? I promise I’ll give it back to you. I need to make a cassette copy as she did and we have been friend soul sisters competence ever since I will miss you. I love you, but I know you are in a better place every time I listen to your favorite songs and drink your favorite Room, I would always think of you. I would miss all the concerts that we have went together. You and Dennis gave me my 50th surprise birthday party. You have celebrated my birthdays with me throughout the year as I have with you. I love you and we miss you, but I know your spirit will never leave me. I will make sure that I stay in touch with your beautiful kids and I’m glad to have had you in my life for almost 30 years
Joe Leigh Bacon October 25, 2024
I am already missing you funny lady. I know you are putting a smile on Dennis's face and heart. Enjoy your jazz together! Love and see you soon. Ms. Joe 🥓
J wheeler October 25, 2024
Iee offer our sincere condolences. We will miss keep the family in prayer.
Judi Watson October 26, 2024
Dear Eros, I am deeply saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. Though I never had the privilege of meeting her, knowing you and witnessing the integrity, kindness, and strength you bring into the world speaks volumes about her influence and the remarkable person she must have been. Her legacy lives on in you. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and know you are in my thoughts during this difficult time. With heart felt compassion, Judi
Keith Harvel October 25, 2024
The Harvel family sends its sincere condolences. Lindas son Eros is a like a brother to me. We are keeping all family and friends in prayer. Our condolences again for your loss.
Romella Arnold October 30, 2024
I met Linda and Dennis in 1977 at a social gathering where they lived in my hometown, Washington DC. Linda discovered I attended Cheyney University ( formerly Cheyney State College) of Pennsylvania. I met a good family friend who knew Linda's family in Philadelphia. Once I let Linda know that I knew Joan Robinson, Linda and I became friend's. We grew very close and shared the best times together attending music venues and concerts to see some of the best musicians and and vocalists on the planet. Music was our sanctuary and we shared our love for it together. When Dennis and Linda had their first child Eros, they asked if I would be his Godmother. Not only was I elated and said yes, I stood before God and the congregation at the iconic African American Metropolitan AME church to accept my commitment as the Godmother to Eros Taylor Stewart. He is an awesome Godson and it was the greatest honor bestowed upon me to become his Godmother. I never had children, but having Godchildren is truly an option. Being included in the village to raise them is very rewarding when taken seriously and not just symbolically. Becoming Eros' Godmother was one of the best decisions I've made as a Godmother to 5 amazing young adults and children. Eros is my oldest and the most caring, loving and sensitive young man that I know. He feels the pulse of humanity and has that same spirit of empathy and love for all humans, as his mother Linda. Linda will surely be missed but her love for her family will continue through all the sweet and cherished memories. May the peace of God be with Linda always.
Margo White November 01, 2024
I first met Ms.Linda when she and my mother worked together at FCCJ now FSCJ. She was always so sweet and caring, we never heard her be cross with anyone. She was also one of the patient parents of all us active kids in Tots n Teens. My sincerest condolences to you Cherub and Eros. I pray her reunion with your father was glorious. Love, Margo White and Gail White