THE MORNING light painted Winchester’s brick buildings in warm colors as Yvonne Stewart strolled down first Avenue on her way to work. She paused to watch a group of young people laughing and chatting as they sipped their drinks. It contrasted the quiet, almost desolate downtown she had once known.
Ten years ago, this street was nearly a ghost town. Now, it’s full of life. People of all ages filled the sidewalks. Their faces lit up with joy. The once-empty storefronts now housed booming businesses, each with its own unique character. Stewart had witnessed firsthand a transformation that reminded her of the power of community and the vision of those who had dared to dream.
Growing up in Franklin County, the simple joys of family, creativity, and nature painted Stewart’s childhood. Her mother raised her and her sister after her parents divorced, and they lived with Stewart’s grandmother. She learned early on that love and togetherness meant more than material wealth.
“We didn’t have a lot of money, but we had a lot of love,” Stewart recalled.
Her mother’s creativity filled their lives with activities that didn’t require much money — using household items, hiking through the woods, and splashing in the creek at Falls Mill.
As Stewart grew older, her love for Franklin County only grew deeper. Family gatherings, barbecues, and trips to Tims Ford Lake became the foundations of her adult life. These memories and her relationships with her “ya-ya sisters” have become valuable to her. But what truly brings Stewart joy is spending time with her children, Cheyne and Tiffany, and her five grandchildren.
“I want them to have memories of me after I’m gone,” she said.
Stewart’s professional journey in Franklin County began with a phone call from Bill Hanger, the chairman of the Cowan Board of Utilities. He asked Stewart to administer a part-time grant to the city of Cowan. She was eager to work after recently graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. This temporary job soon became a full-time position as city administrator and city recorder. Stewart took on a range of responsibilities, but the challenge of securing funds through grants captivated her.
After realizing Cowan’s need for funds, she set out on a path of relentless networking at the regional, state, and federal levels to secure the grants that would change the face of Cowan forever.
Stewart has spearheaded numerous projects in Cowan, including the construction of a sewer plant, water line extensions, fire halls, parks, and the digitization of city hall. Her success in Cowan caught Winchester’s attention, and they hired her in 1999 as a special projects coordinator. Though she wasn’t a grant writer initially, Stewart quickly recognized the potential to bring about significant improvements in Winchester through grants.
Her most significant achievement in Winchester is the Courthouse Revitalization Grant, which has returned state sales tax to the downtown area since 2006. This grant and others she secured have transformed Winchester from a near ghost town to a thriving community landmark.
“Nothing shall be impossible,” Stewart quoted.
This inspiring mantra drove her to secure the Courthouse Revitalization Grant and a Tennessee Department of Transportation Grant in the same year, against all odds. With these funds, Winchester underwent an incredible transformation, with upgraded sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and more. Stewart is elated by the success of these projects as she witnesses the growth and vitality of her beloved community.
One of the community’s favorite projects is the murals in downtown Winchester, which have become favorites for residents and visitors. When Abby Pickett, the Winchester Main Street director, asked Stewart to write the grant for this project, her thorough planning paid off. She helped the city secure two grants: one from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and another from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
The murals by local artists Emily Ragland and Karen Ingle celebrate Franklin County’s abundant history and culture, featuring icons like Dinah Shore, Johnny Majors, and Phillip Fulmer.
Throughout her career, Stewart has secured over $60 million in grant funding for Franklin County. Her work has touched every corner of the community, from building walking trails and soccer fields to improving water infrastructure and developing programs to combat drug abuse.
However, she’s more focused on the impact these funds have on her community than on the dollar amount.
Among all the projects she participated in, the revitalization of downtown Winchester holds a special place in Stewart’s heart. She loves seeing the busy streets full of pedestrians, the thriving businesses, and the sense of community that has taken place.
“Downtown Winchester is alive and thriving,” she said with pride.
Stewart sees a bright path ahead for Franklin County moving forward.
“Some people vacation in paradise, and others choose to live there,” she said.
Stewart is committed to continuing her work, adapting to the changes that come with growth, and ensuring that the community remains a unique place to live, work, and play.
Stewart’s life has been full of obstacles, but she’s faced each one head-on with confidence and creativity. Her love for Franklin County, her family, and her work shows in everything she does.
Thanks to Stewart’s efforts, many generations will enjoy the prosperous community she helped create.
As she looks back on her career, Stewart beams with gratitude for those who have supported her. Her uncle, Ernest Templeton, encouraged her to pursue an education, and her husband, Phillip Stewart, has been a constant partner in her life. GN
