Barbara Jean (Mizell) Stewart, matriarch of the Stewart clan, peacefully passed from this life to eternal life with her Lord and Savior Monday, July 10, 2023. Born to Arlie Mizell and Anna (Matich) Mizell on December 12, 1935, Barbara (Barb) was 87 years old.
Barb was a faithful and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. The high school homecoming queen married her high school sweetheart, Halton Baxter Stewart, Jr. (H.B.) on August 26, 1955 and the adventure began! Barb blessed H. B. (Coach) all their days together. When he began teaching school, while finishing his degree in the summers, she was maintaining the 90-acre home place and raising their three children. Yes, this included chasing pigs up and down the hill while taking care of three small children. She would be up before dawn to make sure food was on the table and she was always the last to go to bed. This was her routine while her children were home and it continued with her grandkids. She made sure the buttons were sewn on and the clothes were laid out for all in her household. When Coach Stewart and Barb asked their three children if they wanted a brother, the children got excited about a baby brother. Instead, they brought home a 13-year-old teenage boy! They were reaching out and making a difference in a life, as they did with countless others throughout their time together. Another mouth to feed and body to clothe. Barb continued running the household with continuous strength of character and providing loving instruction.
Barb was always involved in school activities, her church, and community events while quietly supporting her well known husband. Servings of her banana pudding and cherry cobbler were prized possessions! She did find time to refresh and revitalize with friends and was part of the Hardees Birthday Girls. Friendships were important to her. Although she began working outside the home, she constantly watched over the activities of her household. Barb worked part time at the Greenwood Democrat, then she took a full-time job at J & J Furniture. She began her final job at the County Clerk’s office on Aug 1, 1975 and retired on December 31, 1999. All four of her kids had the privilege of their mom signing their official marriage certificates. If Barb’s kids, grandkids, or great grandkids were participating in an activity or event, she did everything she could to be there and support them. As always, she was at her husband’s side and even joined Coach Stewart on the school bus as he drove to games across the state. Coach understood how lucky he was to have a soul mate in his partner for life. He was quick to offer praise. Barb, in her sweet gentle way, continued to demonstrate enduring physical strength and stamina. (Proverbs 31: 10 – 31)
Barbara Stewart was a woman of strong faith, a member of the United Methodist Church in Greenwood, and believed miracles could happen for those with faith. She was a loving caregiver, especially to her wonderful husband who preceded her in death on January 10, 2014. Others who preceded her in death include parents, Arlie Mizell and Ann Matich Mizell, brother, John Arlie Mizell and sister, Linda Ann Mizell Oliver.
She is survived by her children who cherished her, Hal Stewart (Virginia), Myra Bridges (Steve), Jan Jamison (Leroy) and Jim Cox (Janet); grandchildren, Ivy Howard (Chris), Story Rush (Brian), Clay Davis, Jacob Cox (Jenny), Josh Davis (Misty), Jonathan Cox (Kendra), John Stewart (Heather), Kristine Moore (Jim) and Madeline Jamison and 16 great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, July 15 at the Greenwood Performing Arts Center, 515 E. Gary St. in Greenwood. Viewing will be Friday from 2 – 7 p.m. at McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood, where the family will visit with friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Burial will be at Liberty Cemetery in Greenwood, where the family will have a private service.
The family would like to express their thanks for the help and care from Mercy Hospital, Mercy Hospice and Ashton Place. A special thank you to Kathy Wright for the love and care given to our mom!
If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to H. B. and Barbara Stewart Scholarship Fund, c/o The Greenwood Education Foundation, 440 E. Gary, Greenwood, AR 72936, (479) 996-4141.
