Laura Jeanne Stewart
Laura Jeanne Stewart, 20, passed away October 25, 2012 at her home in Woodstock, GA after a five
year battle with cancer. She is the daughter of Mr. Gene Stewart of Sandy Springs, GA and Mrs. Barbara
Coombe of Woodstock, GA.
Laura had a tremendously successful life and influenced thousands of people, fighting not only for
her, but for hundreds of other children and families she met through her journey. She was voted
homecoming queen and prom queen during her senior year at Etowah High School in Woodstock, GA.
Laura was a star on her high school track team and also played basketball. She graduated in the top
1% of her senior class, while fighting this awful disease. She was most recently a student at Kennesaw
State University, where she studied Human Services, with a goal to work in a non-profit organization to
continue the fight. She also interned at the American Cancer Society.
Laura was one of the faces of the CURE Childhood Cancer Foundation of Atlanta, GA, participating
in photo shoots, and featured in their annual report. She participated in fund raising events for the
Aflac Cancer Center broadcast on WSB radio, reaching millions of listeners. She also appeared in
television commercials across the country on behalf of AFLAC’s Beads of Courage program. She was
featured on local television stations and the CBS Sunday Morning show and gave inspirational speeches
to many groups, including local Girl Scout troops and hundreds of AFLAC sales executives. Laura
volunteered for the Make a Wish Foundation and was honored in October of 2012 with the William
Blake Keller “Indomitable Spirit” Award. Established in honor of Wish Child, Blake Kuller, this award is
intended to honor the individual who embodies the essence of an “indomitable” spirit and possesses
these qualities…persistence, bravery, compassion, integrity, dedication and humor, as Blake did.
As another way to fight back, Laura founded and chaired Kennesaw State’s inaugural Relay for Life
event, which rose over $33, 000 in 2012, and was voted as the top new fundraising event in the United
States by the American Cancer Society. This event will continue forever in her honor, and will continue
doing great things to help others beat this horrible disease.
Throughout her illness, Laura never gave up and more importantly, never let her faith in the Lord
waiver. She accomplished so much good in this world in such a short time. In addition to her parents,
Barbara Coombe and Gene Stewart, she is survived by her brothers Clint Stewart; Garrett Stewart;
sister Sonya Stewart; stepfather Kevin Coombe; stepmother Lisa Stewart; grandmothers Nancy Holub
of Roswell, GA; Elsie McCarthy of Clinton, TN; aunts and uncles Linda and Skip Allen of Lawrenceville,
GA; Rick and Karen Stone of Savannah, GA; Kathy Melton and family of Clinton, TN; Linda Burnette and
Jack Walker of Lenoir City, TN; cousins Robbie Allen and wife Katie Tart Allen of Sandy Springs, GA; and
Kevin Allen of Atlanta, GA. There are numerous other cousins and family members, as well as hundreds
of friends who loved her and will miss her.
A private family service is being held. In lieu of flowers, Laura asked that donations be made to the 2013
KSU Relay for Life so the fight can continue. Donations can be sent to The American Cancer Society,
1825 Barrett Lakes Blvd., Ste. 280, Kennesaw, GA 30144; Attn: Laura Jeanne Stewart.
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=13794813&fr_id=48699&pg=personal
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To Laura’s family,
Even though I never met Laura my daughter Caitlin was her roommate for a few months at the beginning of the school year. She said to me many times how much she liked Laura and how happy she was to have such a sweet roommate. She said they had so much in common. After Laura moved back home Caitlin has mentioned her to me many times and I know she was on her mind alot. We have both prayed for her and your family and I cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. As a mother there are no words that could console any parent who has lost a child. I do know that if Laura made that much of an impact on Caitlin in the short time they were friends she has changed many lives for the better in her short life. I wanted to share with you what Caitlin said to me she said “Laura was such a wonderful person I just wish I could have know her longer” I am sure there are so so many that feel the same way.
Connie Roland
I was in this apartment as well and was a long time friend of Laura through Camp Sunshine. I miss her so much., especially in October. You know those little yellow butterflies? As yellow is the color of her cancer’s survivor ribbon, I think of her every time I see one.
In college, we used to go to youth group together and fervently discuss God and His Word. Her faith always inspired me to be more committed to the Church, His character, and His Word.
I miss Laura so very much, and continually pray for her family, even 14 years later. If I had known about this lovely obituary, I certainly would have commented earlier.
With love to Laura’s family and my most sincere condolences,
Jessie
(Error) I have commented on this website before. Yay chemo brain 😅
Laura was a big part of our family’s life throughout elementary and middle school. She was always very creative and intelligent and fun to have around. We have many fond memories of sleepovers, craft projects, digging for gold in the back yard, summer camp and Vacation Bible School. She was amazing and will be missed.
Barbara:
May God comfort you and your family during this time. My prayer is that the Lord will provide you the strength and courage you need to face each day. You were blessed to have such a wonderful young woman for a daughter and I pray that knowing that will give you peace.
God Bless You All,
Mark Hartline
Thinking of you today sweet girl
I am missing you terribly today, my friend, my roommate, and my survivor buddy. Say hey to the big man. I love you!