Zayne Allen Stewart

      Zayne Allen Stewart, 15 years old, of Junction, TX, passed from this earth at Shannon Medical Center of San Angelo on April 15, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00pm on Saturday, April 22^nd at the JISD High School Gym.  Visitation with the family will follow at the College Street Church of Christ Fellowship Hall.

      Zayne Allen Stewart was born on November 28, 2007 in Arlington, TX to Bryce and Stephanie Stewart, sharing a birthday with Aunt Bethany Stewart and cousin Nevaeh Perez.  Zayne was reared in Midlothian, TX until he was in 4^th grade.  Zayne enjoyed going to Sonshine Preschool, where he played with many friends and wonderful teachers.  He spent much of his younger years at the Midlothian Church of Christ where he was surrounded by special people such as Aunt Tracey and Uncle Jojo, the Hibbitts family, the Driggers family, the Luedtke family, the Inman family, the Pressnell family, the Bryant family and an abundance of youth group kids.  As an infant he was often carried around by one of the teens who he regularly spit up on.  His favorite people at church were Mrs. Rita and Mr. “Mawk” (Mark and Rita Ramsey) who treasured him like their own.  He would sit with them most Sundays during worship where he got to enjoy his very own activity bag packed just for him.  He was so loved. 

      Mt. Peak Elementary was a special place for Zayne.  He was blessed with incredible teachers who loved him and encouraged his unique personality.  His kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Judith Gilmore, often said how much she appreciated how Zayne showed her how to just slow down and enjoy the little things.  His 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Briana Campbell said Zayne reminded her daily how cool it was to love Jesus.  He would tell her, “God thinks you rock.” Mrs. Robin Meyer, his 2nd and 4th grade teacher would say that Zayne’s mission was to always give the biggest hug he could and he was never afraid to show all of his emotions.  His 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Casey Happel said he always helped others out of the goodness of his heart without wanting recognition.  He had a heart of gold.  Mt. Peak was a wonderfully safe place for Zayne and he loved his time there.

      Zayne’s absolute favorite thing about Midlothian was his best buddy Reed Short.  Reed loved Zayne and was very patient with him.  Reed had Zayne’s back and knew how to calm him when he was agitated.  Mom and Dad did not have to worry about Zayne if Reed was there. They remained friends even when Zayne moved in 4^th grade.  They would call each other and play games online together.  When asked what Zayne missed most about Midlothian the answer was always Reed.

      Zayne and his family moved to Junction at the beginning of his 4^th grade year for his dad to take on the preaching position with the College Street Church of Christ.  This transition was a little difficult for Zayne, due to a bit of a culture shock and leaving the people Zayne was comfortable with and knew his quirks and coping tricks.  However, it didn’t take long for him to find amazing people like Renee Braswell and Jurahee Silvers who took Zayne under their wing to help support and care for him.  We were blessed to have Mrs. Braswell follow Zayne from elementary to middle school and didn’t have to worry about him there because we knew Mrs. Braswell and Ms. Misty Sexton would take care of him. We are also so thankful for Mr.  Johnny Martinez and his unending patience as Zayne explored his musical abilities in band. Being surrounded by loving teachers and caring friends like Robert Doss and Fischer Pope gave peace to our family in difficult middle school years.    

      Mrs. Braswell continued to advocate for Zayne even after he moved on to high school.  Mrs. Kaycie Sullivan was another advocate and friend for Zayne fighting for things that would benefit him and helping others understand him.  These teachers and friends helped Zayne find his place and allowed him to be who he was. Although Zayne only had a short time in High School, it seemed to be the easiest for him socially.  He was quite content just  being himself and seemed to be accepted for it.  Many students have shared about how sweet and genuinely caring Zayne was and remember him for always holding open the door until everyone went through.  Even if holding the door meant he and his large frame were kind of in the way.  Zayne had a heart for serving if he saw something that needed to be done.  Neighbors would say he’d pick up their trash bins if they had blown over on his walk home from school.  His big heart and caring manner made it such an easy decision for his parents to donate his organs, offering life and hope to the hurting.  Zayne would have found so much joy in knowing he was helping so many people.

      Zayne is survived by his father and mother, Bryce and Stephanie Stewart, siblings Brylee (18), Kaylee (17), Adylee (14), Casyn (12) and Rynlee (10) of Junction; his paternal grandparents Mike and Cindy Stewart of Junction; maternal grandparents Mark and Marla Schubert of Burnet; maternal great grandparents Larry and Marnette Stone of Dripping Springs; aunts, uncles, and cousins: Brad and Angie Stewart and daughters Madison and Makenna of Phoenix, AZ; Bryan Stewart and children Reagan, Kyle and Cameron of Richland Hills; Bethany Stewart of Frisco; David and Casey Schubert and children Bryson and wife Hope, Keldyn and fiancé Kyla, and Rielyn of Lone Star; Tiffany Schubert and children Nevaeh, Ally and Jayden of Burnet; Keith and Meredith Schubert and children Landry and Karter of Burnet.

      In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to the Zayne Stewart Memorial Fund at First State Bank in Junction, TX or the scholarship fund for Bandina Christian Youth Camp, 1801 Olmos Ave., Alice, TX  78332 to help kids attend camp who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kimble Funeral Home. (325) 446-307