Virginia K. Stewart, born January 7, 1937, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at the age of 89. She lived a life defined by compassion, dedication, and a deep love for her family and home.

Known to most simply as Kathy, she was born and raised in Willis, VA to James T. Sowers and Beulah V. Sowers. After graduating from her small-town high school, she devoted her professional life to nursing. She trained at Lewis-Gale Hospital in Roanoke, VA, and went on to serve as a nursery and labor-and-delivery nurse — work that perfectly matched her gentle spirit and steady presence. She was passionate about her career as an RN and served many years in the nursery at Nashville Memorial Hospital in Madison, TN before finishing her career at Skyline Medical Center after Nashville Memorial closed.

Kathy married Thomas Stewart after nursing school. Thomas was a career military man, and together they embraced a life of travel across Europe and the United States as he served in various posts. After Thomas retired, they made their home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Following his passing in 1996, Kathy moved to Hendersonville, where she continued to build a warm and welcoming home filled with beauty, care, and her own special touch. She had a wonderful gift for decorating, and her home was always impeccably arranged—inviting, comforting, and deeply “hers.” She was known for her incredible energy, her love of life, her caring heart, and the thoughtful advice she shared so generously. To many, she was more than a friend—she was a trusted confidant, a steady source of wisdom, and a second “mother” to her children’s friends who were always welcomed in her home.

Kathy leaves behind her loving sons, Christopher A. Stewart, from Indianapolis IN and Timothy F. Stewart from Orlando FL, and her three cherished grandchildren, Noah Stewart, Micah Stewart, and Dayln Stewart, who brought immense joy to her life.

A brief family viewing will be held at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, on February 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Afterwards, she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Nashville, TN.

Kathy will be remembered for her strength and “spunky” attitude, her gentle heart, and the love she shared so freely. She will be profoundly missed, but the memories she leaves behind will continue to bring joy and comfort to all who knew her.