LOUISBURG - Mary Day Stewart, age 86, of Louisburg, died on Sunday, November 20, 2011, at Louisburg Nursing Center.

She was born on September 15, 1925, to the late Louis K. and Monte Day in Greelyville, SC. She and her younger brother, the late Billy Day, grew up in Rocky Mount, where their father ran the Watch Shop, a well-known jewelry and watch repair store downtown.

While at Rocky Mount High School, Mary met her lifelong sweetheart, Paul W. Stewart, Sr., whom she married on July 17, 1942, in Gulfport, MS, as World War II got underway. They were happily married until his death on April 16, 2003.

Mary and Paul moved to Louisburg in 1948 with their first child, Paul W. Stewart, Jr.-”Buddy.” While Paul worked for Wilbur Raynor in his jewelry store, Mary found her true calling—being a devoted mother to her growing family, which came to include daughter Marilyn and son, Neal.  After the children entered school, Mary helped Paul for many years at Stewart’s Jewelers, which he had opened in 1954. In addition to school and church activities, Mary enjoyed her bridge friends, her garden and its birds, and visiting shut-ins.

Mary is survived by her sons, Dr.Paul (Buddy) W. Stewart, Jr. (Emma) and Neal Day Stewart (Kelly), all of Louisburg, and her daughter, Marilyn Stewart Sanders (Manley) of Sumter, SC.  In addition, she is survived by her four beloved grandchildren:  Paul W. Stewart III (friend Sally) of Raleigh, Christopher B. Stewart (Allison) of Wilmington, Katherine L. Stewart and Patrick N. Stewart of Louisburg.

Mary will be remembered for her devotion to family, generosity, and sense of humor.  If you ever met her, you will remember her.

The family received friends at Strickland Funeral Home on Monday, November 21st, from 7:00-8:00 pm.  A funeral service to celebrate her life was held on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 11:00 am at Louisburg Baptist Church, 302 N. Main Street, Louisburg with the Rev. Dr. Reggie Rushing officiating. Interment followed at Oakwood Cemetery.

Flowers will be gratefully accepted or contributions may be made to Louisburg Baptist Church, P.O. Box 730, Louisburg, NC 27549. 

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

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