Marion Ernestine Stewart

Marion Ernestine Stewart, 94, passed away comfortably in her sleep in Roswell, Ga., on Sunday June 9, 2019. She was born Aug. 30, 1924, in Blytheville to Ernest and Tina Mae Lyons Halsell. She often jokingly described the location as “Behind Flakes Fruit Stand”. But Ern was no Flake! Raised in Blytheville she would grow to become a spirited, devoted, loyal and loving daughter, wife and mother.

Her parents founded the Rustic Inn in Blytheville and with great success established the go-to place for outstanding pork barbecue, a family tradition which was to continue through the years even to this day at the famous Dixie Pig Restaurant. During her school years at Blytheville High School she was the head majorette of the Blytheville Band and worked in the family business where she often recalled barking out “Two pigs and a Coke!” Over the years and in supporting her family with the many Georgia baseball teams, Ernestine was loved and known by the teams, their families and her grandchildren affectionately as “Memaw”, a title she was very proud of. She also reportedly learned the art of “Hog Smooches”, which she frequently administered to flinching children and grandchildren (sorry Nelson). Still she was loved by all.

In 1943, Ern entered Lindenwood College, but soon opted for matrimony in 1944 to her U.S. Army Corps and future Delta Air Lines pilot, Captain Ed Stewart, who prematurely left this life in 1988. “Aunt Ern” as so many friends and family fondly called her, established roots with her loving husband Ed in Blytheville, Memphis, Tenn., and finally Atlanta Ga., all the while raising their three sons, Ron, Don and John.

Sadly, over the years, her beloved parents; husband of 44 years, Ed Stewart; brothers, Melvin, Roy and Buddy Halsell; and sister, Annie Lee Halsell Scrape, preceded her in death.

Ern’s children, Ron and Carol Stewart of Scottsdale, Ariz., Don Stewart of Marietta, Ga., John and Lindsay Stewart of Peachtree Corner, Ga.; brother, Johnny Halsell of Little Rock; grandchildren, Kristie Nolen of Cape Girardeau, Mo., Andrew and Mary -Ann Maloney Stewart of Cape Girardeau, Mo., Stephanie Stewart of Tucson, Ariz., and Nelson Stewart of Peachtree Corners, Ga.; four great-grandchildren, Maddie Nolen, Blake Nolen, Griffin Stewart and Cooper Stewart; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends all survive her.

A celebration of her wonderful life will be held Saturday, June 15, at 10:30 a.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel, 603 West Main Street, Blytheville, Ark. 72316 with the Rev. Mike Wey officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.

Although there will be no formal visitation, there will be a gathering of friends and family to remember her from 6-8 p.m. Friday evening, June 14, at the Dixie Pig in Blytheville. If able to attend please bring a smile and a funny story or two to celebrate the life of this special lady.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.