Mary Stewart

Mary Nell Stewart, 76, of Haughton, Louisiana reunited with the Lord on May 13, 2025, in Bossier City, Louisiana, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on February 20, 1949, in Zwolle, Louisiana, Mary lived a life of deep faith, fierce love, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bertie Mae Culverhouse and Alva Arehart; her grandparents, Lee and Ruth Garcie; several cherished aunts and uncles; her brother-in-law, Jack Campbell, and her brother, Charles Arehart.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband, Scott Stewart; her doting sisters Edra Campbell and Ruth (Jim) Brickner, and Sophia Arehart; her loving children Scott (Edonna) Sharpe, Garrett Sharpe, Cynthia Joy (Richard) Barraza, and Sarah (Misha) Sharpe; step-sons Shane and Sean (Brittany) Stewart; her treasured grandchildren Pedro, Brianna, Richard III, Cameryn, Christian, Jaiven, Raelynn, Brinlee, and AnnElyse, Jaxon, Jon, and Lily; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, her many friends that were considered family, and her sweet dachshund, Tater Tot.

Mary's life was a testament to unconditional love. She spent many years in South Carolina as a teacher’s assistant in Fairfield County, raising her children, and bringing love to those that knew her. The door to her home was always open, welcoming in friends and neighbors, providing them with comfort and a home cooked meal whenever needed. She was the heart of her family—known as "Mama" and "Nana" to those she loved most. She poured her heart into the kitchen, where cooking became both her love language and her ministry, feeding bellies and souls alike. To be fed by her was to be loved by her.

Her expressive, beautiful, golden brown eyes—so full of warmth, charm, and just enough sass—could say a thousand things without a word. Those eyes could silence a room, spark laughter, or let you know you were deeply loved.

She held close the memories of her childhood in Zwolle, Louisiana, where she spent joyful days with her beloved grandparents on their farm. She would often share stories of her time there, remembering the good times and honoring her grandparents’ memories.

After retiring in 2009, Mary returned to Louisiana to live closer to her siblings and their families. Her faith was reignited by Father Pike Thomas and the ACTS Retreat and she became a proud member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Benton, Louisiana. There, she dedicated herself to cooking for community meals and other events, strengthening her faith and ministry while doing what she loved.

She will be remembered for her faith, her food, her laughter, and her boundless love. Her legacy lives on in every hug, every shared recipe, and every life she nurtured.

Her family would like to thank the nurses, therapists, and staff at Willis Knighton Rehabilitation Center for their dedication to their patients and their faith in Mary.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at St. Jude Catholic Church located at 4700 Palmetto Rd, Benton, LA 71006. Visitation will begin at 9:30, the Rosary will be recited at 10:30 and Mass will begin at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Mary Stewart to Pick it Forward for Orphans ℅ Jamie Jett, 8617 Woodlake Dr., Haughton, LA 71037