Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Stewart

Mary Elizabeth McClure Stewart, a resident of Franklin, North Carolina went to her Heavenly home on Friday, May 25th, 2018, following a period of declining health. Prior to moving to Franklin in 2012, she resided in DeKalb County, Georgia for more than 40 years.

She was born in Sylva, North Carolina, August 25th, 1931 to William Paul and Nettie Mae Mull McClure.

Elizabeth was a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. She graduated from Sylva High School in 1950 and had a long and distinguished career in the floral industry that spanned 70 years. She started her career at a very early age at Jane and Dot’s Flower Shop in Sylva and received training at design schools both in Atlanta and Chicago. Through her artistic floral creations as expressions of sympathy and joy, she ministered to thousands of families through their times of joyful celebration as well as sorrow.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased in death by her son; William D. Stewart, a niece; Donna Lynn Keener and a grandniece; Aurora Saunooke.

She is survived by sisters; Jean Keener, Jane McClure and Linda Kelley (Livingston), all of Sylva and Pauline Bryson of Asheville. She is also survived by brothers; William, Thomas (Dianne), Steve (Norma), all of Sylva as well as Robert (Ruth) of Clyde, NC, Terry (Ann) of Loganville, GA, and Carroll of Snellville, GA. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, May 28th at 2:00 pm at Appalachian Funeral Services Chapel in Sylva. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Rev. Jack Roberts, nephew, will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Gideons, 526 West Main St., Sylva, NC 28779 or Heritage Christian Academy, PO Box 2138, Sylva, NC 28779.

Appalachian Funeral Services is serving the family.