Rachel Holley Stewart, 40, of Panama City Beach, went peacefully home to Heaven on Saturday, November 10, 2018, with her loving parents by her side. Born April 4, 1978, Rachel was raised first in her parents' restaurant, J. Michael's, where it was located near Gulf Coast College. She was a 1996 graduate of Mosley High School and studied dance at Western Kentucky University and Columbia College in Chicago. In early 2000 Rachel returned to Panama City to continue her life's work by her father's side at J. Michael's Restaurant on Thomas Drive.
There are no adequate words to describe the woman Rachel became; talented and beautiful inside and out, with both a quiet and serious sensitivity for the needs of others and an outrageously contagious laugh which spread her joy and passion for life. She knew no strangers and embraced all with the purest love, seeking only to alleviate pain or sadness. Her diligent dedication to the family owned and operated business brought smiles to all who met her. In her managerial/co-owner position at J. Michael's she was loved and respected by her co-workers, friends, and customers alike. Rachel's presence made the restaurant thrive from the time she was in diapers hopping laps and entertaining customers, through her adult life, and until her final days. Rachel's light is bright beyond compare and it will not be dimmed by the absence of her earthly presence. As a tribute to her memory, those of us left behind can only hope to keep that light burning by loving and caring for each other with hearts full of laughter.
Rachel is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, JC and Theresa Stewart, and her maternal grandfather, T.Y. "Tom" Bingham. She is survived by her maternal grandmother, Martha Vickery Bingham, her father, J. Michael Stewart (wife Terry), her mother, Sue Bingham Herring (husband Jody), three sisters, Diane Stewart, Sarah Armour Stewart, and Karla Stewart, two step-brothers, Shaun Herring (wife Jessica), and David Herring (wife Natalie), five nephews and one niece, Audun Cowart, Caleb Armour, Alec and Ayson Chiodo, Zach Herring, and Emma Stewart, and two very special aunts, Dianne Stockdale and Holly Bingham Suber. Rachel also leaves her loving fiancé, Andrew Chime, and his parents, her "other family", Patti and Larry Chime, as well as so many wonderful and much-loved cousins, extended family, and dear friends too numerous to list.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at J. Michael's Restaurant on Thomas Drive beginning at 10:00 am.
You may honor her memory with a contribution in Rachel's name to Covenant Hospice of Panama City, Toys for Kids, or any charity of your choosing.