Carolyn Marie Stewart

Carolyn Marie Stewart, 81, of Pass Christian, MS, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport following a tragic sudden illness.  

Carol was born in New Orleans and spent most of her life in Southern Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesty and Irene Melancon.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 40 years, John Stewart; and daughters, Kim Fitzgerald of Diamondhead, MS and Cheree Edgar of Hattiesburg, MS.

She was lovingly called “Honey” by her six adoring grandchildren: Ryan (Brandi) Spiers, Rachel (Tyler) Spiers, Fred Spence, Hannah (Jonathan) Spence, Everett Spence, and Jude Edgar; and her four great-grandchildren: Zoey and Natalie Spiers, Margot Avellan, and Carter Berry, with two more additions expected in July. 

She leaves behind one brother, Jess (Becki) Melancon of Picayune, MS; and two sisters, Susan (Bruce) Taylor of Burlington, NC, and Ann Jones of Virginia Beach, VA; along with numerous cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, countless dear friends, and Archie, her Labrador.

Carol was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Pass Christian, MS, where she had served as President of the Ladies Altar Society.  She was a member of the Pass Christian Historical Society and the Pass Christian Yacht Club.

Carol was a stunningly beautiful individual, both inside and out.  She was a deeply devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend.  Spending time together with loved ones was very important and precious to her.  Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her heart, pride, and joy.

She left the workforce in New Orleans to raise her daughters and subsequently joined the family riding stable business in Picayune, MS.  She loved her horses and was a fearless rider.  After locating to the Gulf Coast, she worked at Annie’s Restaurant for 25 years until it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. 

Most of all, she loved the home that she and John built together on five acres in the Pass.  She loved gardening, cooking, classic movies, shopping, reading, traveling, fishing, and her monthly dinner club.  She became an avid Ole Miss fan with John and could host the best get-togethers near or far.

Carol was devout, kind, and generous and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

The family would sincerely like to thank the staff at Memorial Hospital, especially nurses Kaitlyn and Nicole, and Dr. Bosarge in the ICU. Their loving care and consultation made it possible for the family to cope with a sudden tragedy and immeasurable loss.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church on Menge Avenue in Pass Christian, MS on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 2 pm.  Visitation will be from 1 – 2 pm in the church. Entombment will be in Live Oak Cemetery. Friends are requested to join the family for a remembrance reception of Carol’s beautiful life at Pass Christian Yacht Club immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Holy Family Catholic Church Building Fund, 22342 Evangeline Road, Pass Christian, MS 39571.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com