Miss Faye Stewart. If you ask anyone about her you’ll likely hear variations of the same thing: She is the sweetest, most hard working, most giving, genuinely kind woman…that they’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
What a gift it is then, for her to have chosen Garfield Middle School, as the place where she’s fixed her focus towards, and poured so much of her heart into over the years.
For over 30 years Miss Faye worked for Hamilton City Schools, with many of those years being spent at Garfield Middle. She served as an aide, where she worked with the special needs students, helping them navigate their daily routines. The time officially came though, when she was 83, for Miss Faye to retire. That didn’t last long though…cause sitting around has never really been Miss Faye’s style. Saying, “I gotta stay busy!” So she came back to Garfield, but this time…as a Volunteer.
Now, at 85 years young, with the help of staff members who absolutely adore her, Miss Faye’s “Snack Shack”, is helping raise money for all types of needs around the school. In true Faye fashion though, she doesn’t like to take credit for any of it, but would rather shine a light on those who help her. It’s that humility and sweet spirit that has undoubtedly made Miss Faye the beloved member of Garfield Middle School that she is.
Miss Faye’s heart for children started long before she began working at Hamilton Schools though. For many, many years, Faye was an intake home for kids in the foster care system. During those years she saw WELL over 100 kids come through her home. It wasn’t uncommon for there to be spans of time where she’d have 10-15 kids living with her. It wasn’t always easy but she always did her best to make sure each child felt safe, were fed, and could let their guard down, if even for just a while.
For 15 years Miss Faye poured her heart into the children who came through her doors as foster children. It was only when she decided to adopt her youngest son, Josh, at 2 years old, that she decided to step away. Choosing instead, to focus on Josh and making sure he knew he had a home and a family forever. It wasn’t until he was a bit older that she once again opened up her heart and home. But this time to a few developmentally challenged adults.
The time eventually came though, when she knew she needed to start working outside the home in a more official capacity. That’s when the Hamilton City Schools part of her journey begins! Though she wasn’t originally at Garfield, it was always where her heart was and where she eventually ended up.
From the moment Miss Faye Stewart starts to share her heart, it becomes immediately clear that loving people isn’t just something she does. It’s who she is. Whether she’s teaching Sunday School, helping run food pantry’s, volunteering at Garfield, or spending time with her family, one thing is always, always, always true about Miss Faye…she does it with her whole heart and with a humility that makes her all the more endearing.
Garfield Middle School is so incredibly blessed to have Miss Faye on their side. When asked about why she does it she said, “Well, I just love the kids. Always have.” She continued, saying, “The Lord gave me the ability to love ‘em all just as they are, but He also gave me an eye for seeing which ones may need that love just a little bit more.” She then gave a little chuckle and added, “Although…the older I get, the more the things they say and the stuff they wear starts to puzzle me a bit.” Her and I laughed about that for a moment and then she added, in her sweet, gentle voice, “But…I still love 'em all the same. Even the stuff I don’t get.”
The world needs more Miss Faye’s. She’d probably scoff at that, saying she never does anything on her own, that she has a great support system, and that may be true. But it doesn’t change that Miss Faye is the catalyst, a driving force for good, ready, willing and eager to step up and do what needs to be done for no other reason…than because she cared for others.
I can’t help but wonder what the world would look like if we all loved people like Miss Faye does.