Betty Ann Stewart passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, at her residence. She was born in Mardela Springs, Maryland, and was the seventh child of the late William Irving Nichols, Sr. and Bethena Luella Deshields.

Betty dedicated many years of service to the Dietary Departments at Holly Center and Deer’s Head Hospitals in Salisbury, Maryland, where she served as a supervisor. She also worked as a school bus driver and in food service for Wicomico County Public Schools. She received her education through the Wicomico County Public School System.

She was a faithful member of John Wesley Methodist Church, where she served as Lay Leader and as President of the United Methodist Women at both the conference and local levels. Betty was a devoted minister of the gospel for over seventy-five years alongside her sisters Sara, Joan, Christina, Joyce, Phyllis, and Janice. On occasion, her brothers Hugh, Gregory, and Wayne joined them in ministry as part of what became known as the “Seven Nichols Sisters and Brothers.”

Betty Ann met her soul mate, James “Jimmy” C. Stewart, while attending Salisbury High School. They were united in Holy Matrimony on November 12, 1961, and shared 65 loving years of marriage. Their union was blessed with five children.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: sons Wilson (Shelia), James (Mavis), Anthony (Nichole), Vince (Paula), and Brian; and daughter Rev. Gwendolyn (Pastor Raymond). She is also survived by her brothers Rev. Hugh (Pastor Wanda), Gregory (Rev. Lucille), and Wayne (Carol); sisters Christina, Phyllis, and Janice; and brother-in-law Robert Batson and George Gale. She leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 34 great-great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James C. Stewart; brothers William Nichols, Jr. and Howard L. Nichols; and sisters Sarah N. Tustin, Joan N. Church, and Joyce N. Batson.

Betty will lie in repose on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at New Hope Baptist Church, 1611 Jersey Road, Salisbury, Maryland 21801. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Memory Gardens, 27260 Ocean Gateway, Hebron, Maryland 21830.