of Harrison, AR
February 7, 1936 - November 10, 2025
Mary "Louise" Stewart, age 89, of Harrison, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 10, 2025, surrounded by family. Louise and her twin sister, Loucille, were born on February 7, 1936, in Mt. Judea, Arkansas, to Frederick Joseph and Hester Hosanna (Foster) Hefley.
Louise was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in every community where she lived, which included Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas, and most recently attended Falling Water Church in Pelsor, Arkansas. Her life was a true testament to her faith and her love for family.
She graduated from Mt. Judea High School in 1953 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ouachita Baptist University in 1957. Immediately afterward, Louise enrolled in the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, completing her Master's in Religious Education in 1958. For several years, she served as church secretary at First Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida.
On August 26, 1976, Louise married the love of her life, James "Jimmy" Stewart, at the old Baptist Church in Tullahoma, Tennessee. They made their home in Tullahoma but maintained a winter residence in Florida. Active in church life in both states, they enjoyed the blessing of two extended church families. Though they never had children of their own, Louise and Jimmy were deeply loved by their many nieces and nephews. Louise's kindness and generous spirit made her the kind of aunt who is impossible to describe in words. She radiated positivity, prayed faithfully, and lived with the expectation that God's will would always prevail. She was a role model to all who knew her.
Louise was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James ''Jimmy'' Stewart; her parents; three brothers, James Carl Hefley (Marti); Howard Jean Hefley (Lillian), and Johnny Paul Hefley (Patsy); her brother-in-law, Larry Henderson; and her sisters, Betty Loucille Burdine (William), Jimmie Fern Winstead (Cecil), and Freddie Gelease Walker.
She is survived by her loving sister, Patricia ''Patsy'' Ann Gail Hefley Henderson; her special caregivers, niece and nephew Tracey (Henderson) and Michael Rogers; and additional caregivers Reggie Parker, Trevor Martin, and Linda Allen, all of Harrison.
Visitation will be at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home from 12:30 to 2:00 PM, on Friday, November 14, 2025. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 2:00 PM, with Jon Burdine officiating.
Interment will be at the Mt. Judea, Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Mary's nephews. Honorary pallbearers are Mary's nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the: Mt. Judea Cemetery Improvements, in care of Lina Jean Gregory, 2076 N.C. 6310, Mt. Judea AR. 72655