Thelma Steward: Faith, Family, and Philanthropic Vision
Introduction to Thelma Steward
Thelma Steward is a celebrated nurse, philanthropist, and community leader whose life is defined by service and impact. Known widely in St. Louis and beyond, she has made a lasting difference through her work in healthcare, education, and charitable initiatives. From her early days in nursing to her role in guiding family-led philanthropy, Thelma Steward’s journey reflects compassion, dedication, and leadership. Her story inspires not only healthcare professionals and philanthropists but anyone striving to create meaningful change in their community.
Roots and Inspirations in Family and Community
Thelma Steward was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and trained as a nurse at the St. Louis Municipal School of Nursing. Early in her career, she worked as a registered nurse in the newborn and premature nursery at the former Homer G. Phillips Hospital, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to care and service.
Her upbringing instilled a deep sense of giving back. Her mother, Dorothy, was an early role model: “As a young girl I watched my aunt send part of what little food we had to help neighbors in worse straits.” This spirit of community care, combined with her family’s faith and civic engagement, inspired Thelma to pursue volunteering, church leadership, and support for vulnerable populations throughout her life.
Together with her husband, David Steward, Thelma has expanded that legacy into significant philanthropic work across the St. Louis region. In 2013, they established the Steward Family Foundation to support education, health, the arts, and community development. Drawing on her nursing background, Thelma helped create the “Thelma Steward Future Nurse of Excellence Scholarship” at the Foundation for Barnes‑Jewish Hospital—a full‑tuition award for African American nursing students designed to increase diversity in the nursing field.
Their philanthropy also reflects a keen awareness of community needs. Notably, the Stewards donated $1 million to the United Way of Greater St. Louis through its Charmaine Chapman Society, making them among the first African‑American philanthropists in the region to reach this level of annual giving.
A Heart for Service: Thelma Steward’s Philanthropic Vision
Thelma Steward’s commitment to service goes far beyond her work as a nurse, shaping a philanthropic vision focused on healthcare, education, and the well-being of her community. Her early career in the newborn and premature nursery at Homer G. Phillips Hospital inspired a lifelong dedication to helping others.
One of her most notable contributions is the Thelma Steward Future Nurse of Excellence Scholarship at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing. This full-tuition scholarship supports African American students pursuing nursing careers, helping increase diversity in healthcare and addressing critical needs in patient care.
Thelma approaches philanthropy with intention and foresight. Instead of one-time donations, she focuses on long-term impact, supporting programs that create lasting change. From scholarships that open doors for future nurses to initiatives that improve care for seniors and underserved populations, her efforts make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Leadership and Advocacy: Championing Health and Social Equity
Thelma Steward has turned her passion for service into powerful advocacy for healthcare, education, and social justice. As a registered nurse and lifelong St. Louis resident, she knows the challenges her community faces and works tirelessly to remove barriers.
Through her role on boards like the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, she helps expand arts access and strengthen community programs. Meanwhile, the Steward Family Foundation supports scholarships, nursing programs, and youth initiatives, giving underserved populations real opportunities to thrive.
Her leadership focuses on long-term, meaningful impact, combining board service, philanthropy, and personal dedication to create lasting change in healthcare, education, and social equity.
Recognition and Honors: Celebrating Thelma Steward’s Achievements
Thelma Steward’s lifelong dedication to service and philanthropy has earned her widespread recognition. In 2014, she received an honorary degree from Saint Louis University, celebrating her remarkable contributions to healthcare, education, and community development.
She and her husband were also awarded the Jane and Whitney Harris St. Louis Community Service Award in 2008, honoring their sustained philanthropic efforts across the region. In 2012, Thelma was recognized as a “Woman of Achievement” for her leadership and commitment to social responsibility.
Personal Life and Family of Thelma Steward
| Relation | Name |
| Husband | David L. Steward |
| Mother | Dorothy Willis |
| Children | David Steward II |
| Children | Kimberly Steward |
Thelma Steward’s life is rooted in family, faith, and service. She is married to David L. Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology, and they have been partners since around 1976, sharing a life of compassion, philanthropy, and community impact.
The couple has two children: David Steward II, CEO of Polarity, LLC, and Kimberly Steward, film producer and CEO of K Period Media. They are also proud grandparents of two grandchildren.
Personal Philosophy: Guiding Principles and Motivations
Thelma Steward lives by a set of core values rooted in stewardship, compassion and lifelong learning, principles she has applied consistently throughout her life of service. According to the Steward Family Foundation’s mission, giving is viewed as “an opportunity to demonstrate compassion… and create lasting change.”
For Thelma, faith plays a central role. Her work is guided by a belief in purpose and service: “We plant seeds of change that grow beyond our lifetime…” a vision reflected in the foundation’s commitment to an “eternal return on investment.” She often credits the example of her mother, Dorothy, whose generosity in hardship sparked her own interest in helping others.
Family legacy also fuels Thelma’s motivations. She and her husband, David Steward, have anchored their philanthropic approach in what they call faith‑guided giving, merging personal values with community impact.
Their approach: support education, health and arts, particularly for under‑represented communities—driven by the belief that “with much given, much is required.”
Lasting Legacy: Community Transformation and Future Vision
Thelma Steward’s influence is clear in the lasting changes she has helped create across St. Louis. Through the Steward Family Foundation, she has championed initiatives in education, healthcare, and the arts, directly improving the lives of students, patients, seniors, and underserved communities. Programs like the Thelma Steward Future Nurse of Excellence Scholarship reflect her dedication to creating opportunities that will endure for generations.
Her journey inspires others to embrace philanthropy and civic leadership, demonstrating how consistent, values-driven giving can truly transform communities. By combining compassion with strategic vision, Thelma motivates the next generation to carry forward this mission, fostering lasting impact through education, mentorship, and meaningful community engagement.
Conclusion: Lessons from Thelma Steward for All
Thelma Steward’s life offers powerful lessons in leadership, service, and philanthropy. Her journey shows how compassion, faith, and thoughtful giving can create lasting change, from improving healthcare and education to strengthening the arts and promoting social equity.
Her story encourages readers to consider their own potential to make a difference. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting community initiatives, every act of generosity can leave a meaningful mark.
Ultimately, Thelma Steward reminds us that true leadership is rooted in service. By giving with purpose and heart, anyone can help build a legacy that transforms lives and inspires generations to come.
FAQs About Thelma Steward
1. Who is Thelma Steward?
Thelma Steward is a nurse, philanthropist, and community leader from St. Louis, Missouri, known for her impactful work in healthcare, education, and charitable initiatives.
2. What is Thelma Steward known for?
She is known for her nursing career, creating the Future Nurse of Excellence Scholarship, and leading philanthropic efforts with the Steward Family Foundation.
5. Who is Thelma Steward married to?
Thelma Steward is married to David L. Steward in 1976, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology.
11. Who are Thelma Steward’s children?
Thelma Steward has two children: David Steward II, CEO of Polarity, LLC, and Kimberly Steward, film producer and CEO of K Period Media.
