Laura May Stewart

Laura May Stewart was one of five children born to Reznor Perry Stewart and Mary Elizabeth Stewart who had settled in the Pass Area in the 1880s. Over time, Mr. Stewart acquired a rather large area of land which he farmed. The Stewart daughters, Laura May and Clara stayed in the Pass area, working alongside their father in running the big farm until his death in 1933 at the age of 88.  Subsequently, Laura and Clara continued working the farm with great success. 

In the 1960’s, the land was sold off. Prior to Laura May’s death in 1974 at the age of 89, she set up a charitable trust to be known as the Laura May Stewart Trust.  The initial dollar amount of the trust was $1.2 million. The Trust provides that ten percent of the annual net income shall be distributed to the Beaumont Sunnyslope Cemetery District. The remainder of the net income, together with not-to-exceed 2% of the principal of the trust per year is available for disbursement by the Distribution Committee “for such charitable, civic and cultural uses and purposes as will, in the absolute and uncontrolled discretion of the Committee, most effectively assist, encourage and promote the well-being of the inhabitants of the cities of Beaumont and Banning, regardless of race, color or creed.”