In the course ofa schoolyear and with nearly 5/000people in the Hardingfamily/ it seems that we can never escape the reminder that death is a part ofthe reality ofliving. During thepastyear/ three students/ lives abruptly ended- one the result ofa long-term crippling injury/ another because ofdisease and the other a result ofa car accident. All ofthese left their mar/cs on the hearts ofthose they left behind. Jamey Stewart Jamey Stewart lost his life to cancer on June 1, 1996, but it never conquered his strong spirit. A remarkable and compassionate person, Jamey touched the lives of all who knew him. He fought the disease for almost a year, but remained his caring and devoted self until the very end. Dr. Stephen Frye, one of Stewart's communication teachers, said, "I can't think of a better example of what a young Christian should be. Jamey was very 'others-oriented.' That is the quality that I admired most in him." Stewart was a genuine Christian who Charles Smith Charles Dwain Smith was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1950. He served in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1969. Charles was a quadraplegic with partial use of his hands. In 1991, Charles moved to Searcy with his wife, Oleva, and their two children, Chris and Cheri, in order to be closer to the Veterans' Hospital in Memphis. From 1994 through 1996, Charles was enrolled in classes at Harding. His sense of humor and desire to stop and visit with anyone he met won him many lived his life for the Lord. "He was such a wonderful example ofhow a Christian should live. I never heard him say anything negative about anyone. He was always more concerned with others' needs, even when he was the one who was in need. He had a big impact on my life and I'm glad I was able to have known him," Elizabeth Snyder, a junior elementary education major, said. A true servant and friend, Jamey Stewart left his mark on his family, his church, his friends and his community during his 21 years of life. - Christina Weber Bonita Barton friends on campus and in the community. He was admired by the students because of his determination. During the first year ofclasses, his motorizedwheel chair was his only method of getting to school from his home across town. It was not uncommon for him to be caught in a rain storm. Charles died on April 15, 1996, while he, Oleva and Cheri were visiting Chris, who was stationed at Fort Polk, La. They were celebrating Charles' and Oleva's 25th wedding anniversary. - Dr. John Keller Bonita Barton, an 18-year-old freshman from Richmond, Va., was killed when the car in which she was a passenger hydroplaned on the rain-slick highway, stricking a telephone pole near Lynchburg. She was returning to Harding after Thanksgiving break. goal she had already achieved, "If I never make it to Africa, I hope I may still make a difference in someone's life." 286 Memorials Whether taking on service projects with Shantih and Circle K, mentoring her "little sister" Patricia or planning for a spring break campaign in Jamaica, Bonita was always looking for the opportunity to serve. She dreamed of being a missionary in Africa and, in a paper for her Bible class, she wrote of a Like Paul in Philippians chapter 4, Bonita had learned to be content whatever the circumstances. She knew what it was to be in need and what it was to have plenty. She knew that she could do all things through Him who gave her strength. Those of us who were touched by Bonita mourn the loss ofa beloved friend but also know the hope to which the Lord called her and us. - Indie Pereira
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