Sue Stewart
2016 Pizzazz with Jazz Honoree
This native Texan grew up in the Heights, was a Regan Redcoat, and is a University of Houston alumnus. It is, however, for her involvement in the many community-enriching committees and activities that she is a recognized leader here in Northwest Houston. Like her husband, Tom, who was one of the early founders of the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce, they are a couple who are “involved in the community,” and who give unstintingly of their time.
Sue is an “all or nothing” type of person and when she becomes involved in a project, especially one for the improvement of the community, she gives it her all! This she does in additional to working with Tom at his State Farm Insurance Agency, an agency he’s had for 42 years. It should be added that Tom also gives Sue his full support in her various undertakings.
She was a member of the Task Force Committee and various fund-raising committees for the Cypress Creek Christian Community Center. She was on the Committee planning the Grand Opening Concert and very much a “driving force” helping to get The Centrum ready for the first all-important concert featuring Marvin Hamlisch in November of 1997. Indeed, Sue was responsible for getting the first concert program to the printer on time – complete with bits of tape and sticky paper stuck to her shoes and sleeves!
Sue was one of the founders of The Centrum Arts League, along with other well-known community leaders like Garlaine Kelly, Kathy Carson, Delora Wilkinson and a host of others. This originating group became known as the Executive Committee, until a new name which more clearly defined the group – The Centrum Arts League – was chosen, with Sue as its first President. It was not by chance that Sue was chosen Chairperson or President of so many groups. She has an uncontrived ability, using the lightest of reins, to hold her members to the topics, and encourage them to take active roles to further the work of the group.
After 3 years, Sue relinquished the Presidency but remained active on the Board until 2014 in various roles including Treasurer and Newsletter Chair. Sue and Suzanne Ellis came up with the Pizzazz with Jazz Luncheon to fund the CAL Scholarship Program and the FACE Free Children’s Series. In addition, both Sue and Tom served on the Foundation for the Arts Board for 2 years.
She has also been active in other community organizations. She is a former board member and current Advisory Committee Member of Northwest Assistance Ministries; past co-chair of Jeans & Jewels Gala and the Northwest Division Heart Ball; a Lifetime Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Member and Lifetime Committeeman for the International and Western Art Committees; and Cypress Woodlands Junior Forum, Past President and current Advisory Committee Member.
In addition to all of her community work, Sue is most proud of her family: Ginger Cearley, Chris and Elizabeth Cearley, Jason & Sarah Stewart and her six amazing grandsons. Sue loves to travel the U.S. and abroad. She’s a member of some interesting book clubs, enjoys the ups and downs of an investment club, playing Mah Jongg, and just being with all her awesome friends.