Sharon Lee Stewart, age 81, of Hickory Creek, TX, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026 in her home wrapped in the warmth of her favorite blankets.

She was born on May 18, 1944 to Irene and Albert Millward in Detroit, Michigan. As a teenager, Sharon loved Doo Wop bands and the newly emerging Motown sound. Sharon attended Western Michigan University, where she found a second family in her sorority, Alpha Phi. Those college years remained some of her most cherished; she spoke of them often and maintained the deep bonds of sisterhood with her Alpha Phi friends throughout her entire life. After graduating, Sharon dedicated her early career to shaping young minds as a teacher in the Michigan public school system. In 1969 she moved to Carrollton, Texas to raise her two handsome and active boys, Ryan and Chad Stewart and continued teaching. Sharon was legendary for her compassion toward animals. Her home was a frequent stop for creatures in need of rescue and rehabilitation. She eventually turned this lifelong passion into a calling, working with the Dallas Zoo on animal education for children before founding her own nonprofit, H.A.R.T., in 1984. Through H.A.R.T., she expanded her reach, saving countless lives through fundraising and hands-on wildlife advocacy. While she loved all creatures, horses held a special place in her heart, and her face would always light up when sharing stories of their grace and spirit.

In 2003 Sharon moved to Hickory Creek, TX in her beautiful dream home on lake Lewisville. There she enjoyed visiting with neighbors, gardening, serving on the Hickory Creek parks board and spending time with all the creatures who lived by the lake. Sharon enjoyed spending time with her friends from “The Red Hat Society”, yoga and silver sneakers. The consummate foodie, she was always on the lookout for hidden gem restaurants and a festive cocktail. She was an inveterate socialite who lived for long interactions filled with good story, good gossip, possible interrogation, surveys and 1-10 scale questions.

Sharon was best known for her unfiltered personality. She never had a conversation she couldn't spice up with a bit of salty language and never left you wondering where she stood. She was a character people enjoyed being around. Her quips, moxie and spunkiness will be missed.

Sharon is survived by her children Ryan (Tammie) Stewart and Chad Stewart and her 4 grandchildren Cole, Connor, Cassidy and William.

A service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 12:00PM at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Archangel Animal Network.