Mary McArtan Stewart

Mary McArtan Stewart went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 23, 2021, just shy of her 100th birthday on February 7th.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Coats Baptist Church on Monday, December 27, 2021 at 2:00 PM. The service will also be live-streamed at www.coatsbaptist.com The family will receive friends following the service on the side lawn of the church.

Raised in Dunn, NC, Mary graduated from Dunn High School and then attended Louisburg College. Eugene Collier Stewart of Coats captured her heart, and they married in 1942. After moving around to different flight schools where Eugene taught, the couple settled in Coats where they raised their three children.

She skillfully raised her children and managed the home while keeping a watchful eye on the family business. When she would walk through the door at Coats Motor Company, employees would affectionately say “here comes The Colonel.” She was a fun and doting grandmother and great-grandmother.

She loved her church (Coats Baptist) and the Coats community. She was the first to deliver a casserole to someone sick or grieving. She was the best southern cook around, and the kitchen was her favorite place to be. Her other hobbies were camping, playing cards, and spending time with her family and friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Collier Stewart, and her three brothers; Bill McArtan, Ray McArtan, and Bobby McArtan. Mary is survived by her three children; Don Stewart (Teresa) of Coats, Ken Stewart (Penny) of Raleigh, and Lu-Ann Stewart Lesley (Todd) of Raleigh. Also, surviving are her grandchildren; Brian Stewart (Amy) of Coats, Brad Stewart (Amber) of Coats, Lori Stewart Brown (Jason) of Fayetteville, Stephen Stewart of Raleigh, Susan Stewart of Raleigh, Sarah Gray Lesley (Shelby Sessions) of Chicago; and her great-grandchildren, Emma Stewart, Ethan Stewart, Elizabeth Wilkins of Coats and Hayden Brown of Fayetteville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Coats Baptist Church, PO Box 297, Coats, NC 27521 or a charity of choice.

In accordance with NC-COVID19 guidelines, the funeral home suggests practicing social distancing guidelines and the three W’s: wait, wash, and wear a face covering. Face coverings are required for all indoor and outdoor services.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home of Coats, NC.