City Faces in Different Places
By Julie Perine on July 26, 2020 from City Faces
Today's City Face is a lifelong resident of Bridgeport, where she taught school for four decades. Meet Debbie (Mayo) Stewart:
Hi Debbie. Thanks for being this week's City Face. Tell me about your family ...
I've been married to Kim Stewart for 44 years this past July 3rd. We have three adult children. Traci works at Ruby Hospital in Morgantown. Amy just started a new job with the FBI. Matthew is a nurse at the VA Hospital in Clarksburg. We also have a daughter-in-law April who works at UHC. We are also blessed with two grandchildren Charleigh (6 years) and Silas (10 months).
Do you have pets?
No pets 
Tell me about your life's work ...
I retired from Harrison County Board of Education with 40 yrs. as a Kindergarten Aide. I did 18 yrs at Simpson and then finished out with 22 years at Johnson.This year, I was Charleigh's teacher when the schools closed down.
What are your favorite passtimes?
I love to go camping, read, swim, spend time with grandkids and go for walks when I can find the time.
What is your favorite Bridgeport spot?
That would be the city pool as I was a lifeguard, pool manager and swim team coach in my younger years. Now I enjoy going to the pool for water zumba (really have missed it this year). I can't wait for The Bridge (Sports Complex) to open up and hopefully (the facility will offer) water zumba year around.
Why do you like living here?
Bridgeport has always been a great place to raise our kids. Although it has changed, it still seems to keep that small town feeling. You couldn't ask for a better place to raise kids as everyone keeps an eye out for each other.
What are your best memories of Bridgeport?
I would have to say watching my kids perform in the high school band during the football games. All three did band and I was very involved with the band in the program sales and chaperoning band trips.
Light Up Night is also one of my favorite memories. The first time Charleigh saw the fireworks at Light Up was amazing. You get to see so many of your friends at one time and enjoy the holiday.
What's your favorite spot outside Bridgeport?
Coopers Rock as we camp there, along with my 
sisters' families, during every home WVU football game. We always have a great time.
sisters' families, during every home WVU football game. We always have a great time.
What is your favorite place outside West Virginia?
Ocean Isle spending time at the beach with my family. It is so relaxing and laid back at this beach. Also, anyplace that my four sisters and I go for our sister trips.
What are your favorite foods?
Mexican, Italian and steaks over a great campfire.
Favorite color?
Blue
What about music?
Country. I really don't have a favorite artist.
Tell us about some of your favorite childhood memories ...
Playing kick the can with all the kids in our neighborhood and trips to Washington DC every Thanksgiving to see our Grandma "Billy."
What else would you like to add?
We babysit our grandchildren 3 to 4 days a week. Charleigh & Silas keep us on our toes and keep us young at heart with always being on the go.
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