Marian Edith King Stewart, age 91, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2023, in Gulfport, Mississippi, surrounded by her loving family. Edith as she was affectionately known, was born, April 1, 1932. Edith was a beloved member of her community and a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.
In 1972, Edith made the life-changing decision to move to Gulfport from her native Florida, where she would go on to make a lasting impact on those around her. She was a devout Baptist and an active member of Temple Baptist Church, where her faith and kindness shone brightly. Edith was a force of nature, known for her unwavering strength, independence, and exceptional talent as a beautiful alto singer. Her melodious voice brought joy to her family, as she frequently serenaded them with her songs. She had a remarkable sense of humor that could light up any room, and her culinary skills were second to none. Her homemade, country-style Southern cooking was a true delight to all fortunate enough to taste it. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the recent addition of a great-great-grandchild filled her heart with joy. In her spare time, Marian enjoyed watching her favorite television show, "The Price is Right" and cheering on the Atlanta Braves. Edith was a storyteller at heart, often recounting tales from her childhood that captivated those who listened. She had an incredible ability to connect with people through her stories and her warm, welcoming presence.
Edith was preceded in death by her parents, Charles King, and Grace Kelly King, as well as her beloved husband, Paul L. Stewart, and her sons, Curtis Stewart and David Stewart. She also joined her sisters and one brother, Mavis Bruner, Dora B. Hinton, Irene Miller and Edwin Williams , in eternal rest.
She is survived by her daughters, Paula (Mike) Compton, Tammy (Kevin) Lee, and Valerie (Steve) Martin and one daughter in law, Gerda Stewart, as well as her brothers, Charles King, and Donald Williams. Marian leaves behind a legacy of love and family, including seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Edith will be remembered not only for her beautiful voice and culinary talents but also for the love and joy she shared with her family. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love her. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to sing in the hearts of her loved ones.