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 was at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home on Friday, November 14, 2025.
A Celebration of Life immediately followed with Jon Burdine officiating.
Interment was at the Mt. Judea Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Mary's nephews. Honorary pallbearers were 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
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7 Condolence(s)
Jerry and Karen Kimes
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
I remember Louise has a very sweet lady, always smiling. A very special person.
Jack and Gail Dayton
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Mary Louise was a joy to be around and always exuded the kindness of Her Lord Jesus Christ with whomever she came in contact with. We have missed her in Tullahoma since her move to Arkansas but now anticipate our meeting with her and our Father who Art in Heaven. We know she is honoring and praising Him now in a way we can only look forward to - we extend our sincerest condolences to each of her family members.
selena merriman
Friday, November 14, 2025
Louise was a wonderful aunt and will be always remembered as a very devoted Christian and family member. She never forgot a birthday for any Sister, brother, niece, nephew. And even their children and children’s children. I love her so much and can’t wait to see her in heaven
Shelly walker
Friday, November 14, 2025
Bonnie and Billy Philpott
Friday, November 14, 2025
Louise was a good friend to us. She was always ready for a gathering, a party or a sweet visit over a meal. I loved the times we spent together when we lived in Tullahoma, TN.
Bonnie
Linda Hasty
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Patsy:
I was saddened to learn from a friend at First Baptist Church Tullahoma that Mary Louise had passed away. We met Jimmy when he sold us the land on which we built our first home in 1971. All our lives were enriched when he brought Mary Louise to town. My husband and I visited them several times in Florida, where we enjoyed going out to eat together and attending church with them. We even sang in their Christmas musical one year. It was the same musical we had performed at our church in Tennessee.
Patsy, I know you will miss Mary Louise as will all her friends and loved ones. I pray that God will give you peace and comfort in the knowledge that she is safe in her heavenly home.
Linda Hasty
Joe M and Patricia D Blevins
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Mary Louise was very special to us since we spent a great deal of time together while in Florida. She was a very devoted Christian and lived in her spiritual life every day. She will be missed by many. She will be received into heaven by God without hesitation.