Frankie C. Stewart, age 94 of New Castle, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Norton Brownsboro Hospital.  Born on February 10, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin and Mary Willena (Evans) Crabb.  A former member of New Castle and Sulphur Baptist Churches, she was the oldest active member of Drennon Christian Church. A faithful and dedicated Christian, she rarely missed a church service and was devoted to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Learning to play the piano by ear at a young age, she became a talented pianist throughout her life, playing at churches and venues around the area. A legal secretary and tax preparer for attorneys Jimmy & Julia Thomas in New Castle for many years, she continued that work after their passing, helping people in the community with their taxes.

Married to Mr. Robert “Bobby” Stewart on October 16, 1948, she was a longtime resident of Sulphur, where they farmed. Frankie prided herself for working as long and hard as any of the men.  Following Bobby’s passing, after 52 years of marriage, Frankie moved to New Castle and took on the task of caring for her mid-1800s home. The home continued to fuel her passion for history, gardening and storytelling. For many years, she was blessed to have devoted friends, church families and others help her live an active lifestyle with poise and grace. An excellent cook, she hosted the family Christmas eve meal for many years. Her family looked forward to her famous yeast rolls that would float right off the plate if not held down with a generous pat of butter (the family also knew to bring their own salt!). Frankie was preceded in death by her brothers, Marshall “Gus” Crabb & William Lee Crabb, Sr.; and her sister, Martha “Cookie” Crabb.

Dr. Stewart, his wife Lara, and his son, Marshall, plan to make donations from estate funds to the Sulphur Baptist Church, the New Castle Baptist Church, and the Drennon Christian Church.  They also plan to donate the late Mrs. Stewart's Steinway upright piano to the New Castle Baptist Church.

Survived by:

Son:     Dr. Arthur Franklin Stewart, Ph.D. (Lara) of Beaumont, TX

Grandson:        Marshall Graham Stewart of Lake Jackson & Austin, TX

Several Nieces & Nephews, including greats and great-greats.

Funeral Service:  11 AM on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Prewitt New Castle Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Mark Hall. Bro. Corey Beatty will be assisting.

Interment: New Castle Cemetery

Honorary Pallbearers: Alice Raisor, Gene Garrett, Evelyn Garrett, Amy Bush,

                                                Judy Scriber, Sarah Martin Haydon & Stewart Lang Prather

Active Pallbearers:     Martin Prather, Christopher Stahl, Eric Bush,

                                    Bobby Wade, Bobby Foree, & Marshall Graham Stewart

Memorial Contributions: may be given to Drennon Christian Church, Post Office Box 495, New Castle, Kentucky 40050 or to New Castle First Baptist Church, Post Office Box 126, New Castle, Kentucky 40050 or to Sulphur Baptist Church, 5299 Sulphur Road, Sulphur, Kentucky 40070.

Visitation:  1-4 PM on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Prewitt Funeral Home of New Castle.