‘He brought happiness to every conversation.’
Mary Baldwin University honors the life of Tyrone Stuart, a dedicated and skilled member of the dining services team, who passed away on July 26 at his home. He was 57 years old.
“Tyrone was a good-natured gentleman, he brought happiness to every conversation,” said Courtney Roane, director of dining services. “My memory will always be watching him during service, speaking to all the students and making them feel welcome. His kindness and gentle approach will be missed.”
Since he joined MBU in 2019, Stuart devoted his culinary skills to cooking for students, faculty, and staff at Hunt Dining Hall. He was passionate about his work, and setting students up for success in their home on the hill.
“My fondest memory of Tyrone was his humor and spirit,” said Ben Miller, executive chef. “He always made things exciting, and made sure to tell everybody they were going to be all right and he hoped they had a good day. He never complained about having to lend a helping hand, especially on fried chicken Wednesdays. He will be greatly missed.”
“Tyrone was always just a funny, funny guy. He always had everyone laughing ‘to tears,’ and was there to cheer up anyone who was feeling down. He was just a great person and a hard worker.”
— Smoogie Bell, data entry specialist in MBU’s advancement office and Stuart’s sister-in-law
Stuart was a life-long Staunton resident, and was born in the city in 1966. Catering Manager Ben Diemer recalled a special moment of sharing local history.
“We were at a spot on West Beverley Street, and he was just talking about all the old places downtown where he used to frequent,” said Diemer. “It was a warm glowing vision of days gone by, but then Tyrone always did that for me. He lent warmth to my heart.”
Stuart especially enjoyed being with family and friends, including his wife, Sandra, and their seven children. Some of his favorite pastimes outside of the kitchen were playing cornhole and horseshoes with loved ones.
“He was going to purchase another wedding ring for his wife, after it went missing,” Lindsey Burke, dining services administrative assistant, remembered. “His wife was the sunshine to him. He brought joy to conversations while having lunch daily. He will be missed.”
Smoogie Bell, data entry specialist in MBU’s advancement office and Stuart’s sister-in-law, has fond memories of spending time with him and their family.
“In the days when we were all together, Tyrone was always just a funny, funny guy,” Bell said. “He always had everyone laughing ‘to tears,’ and was there to cheer up anyone who was feeling down. He was just a great person and a hard worker.”
Visitation with Stuart’s family will begin at 1 p.m. on August 4 at Henry Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton. Please visit Henry Funeral Home for more details.