Lynnette Harter Stewart, 86, lovingly known as “Nanny” to all who were blessed to know her, went home to be with the Lord on November 22, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones. Born on August 3, 1939, in Canton, Illinois, Lynn was the cherished daughter of Robert and Clara Harter. In the summer of 1956, while in Memphis, Tennessee, she met the love of her life, Wendell Rowe Stewart. They became engaged in April 1957, and that same year, Lynn graduated as valedictorian of her senior class at Frazier High School in Tennessee. On June 28, 1957, the two were joyfully united in marriage.
As a devoted Marine Corps wife, Lynn embraced the life of relocation and service, following Wendell through his assignments and supporting him and their growing family every step of the way. In 1971, the Marine Corps brought them to Marietta, Georgia, where Lynn broke barriers as one of the first female property claims appraisers in the United States while working at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. In 1976, Wendell and Lynn moved with their three children to Hickory Flat, Mississippi, where they built their forever home. There, Lynn began a 28-year career as a bookkeeper for Rowland Heating and Air Conditioning until retiring in 2005 to care for Wendell full-time. The couple shared a beautiful marriage of 51 and a half years until Wendell, age 75, passed away in 2009.
Lynn is preceded in death by her beloved husband Wendell; their treasured son, Gregory Allen Stewart, and a precious great-grandson, Briggs Barrett Moreland.
She leaves behind a loving legacy carried by her two daughters Paula (Tony) Tice of New Albany, MS, and Amy Stewart of New Albany, MS; six grandchildren Laura Beth (David) Jackson, Leah Paige (Justin) Moreland, Erica (Matt) Gates, Adrienne (Jared) Dillard, Brett (Amy) Tice, and Neal (Sabrina) Tice; twelve great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews who adored her.
For more than 45 years, Lynn was an active and dedicated member of New Life Church of Hickory Flat.. She and Wendell both served in the Hickory Flat Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, demonstrating their shared commitment to serving their community. Lynn was best known outside her family life for her chocolate chip cookies. In April 2014, Lynn was featured in the Tupelo Daily Journal as “Cook of the Week, a fitting recognition for a woman who spent over 60 years cooking and baking for those she loved most. The secret was never in the recipe—what made them unforgettable was the love she poured into everything she made. She spent many years knitting, cross-stitching, needlepointing, and crocheting, making keepsakes for her loved ones and friends. Above all, Lynn loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with her whole heart.
Services to honor the life of Lynnette “Nanny” Harter Stewart will be held at First Baptist Church of Hickory Flat, MS on November 25, 2025. Visitation will be from 12p.m- 2p.m and funeral services starting at 2pm with graveside services at Mckay Cemetery to follow. The family invites all loved ones to attend.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or The American Cancer Society.
Pallbearers:
Jack Gadd, Chuck Gadd, Mike Staley, Ricky Pipkin, Rick Pipkin, Warner Bradford,
Glenn Cossitt, Gary McBride Joe Owen, Marcellus Blake, Bobby Gray, Robert Merritt,
Steve Thompson, Keith Heaton, Gerald Bogue, Mike Hearn, Mark Sides, Charlie Ballard,
Johnson Gresham, Kenny Wilson, Jacob Gadd, Cody Gadd, Tripp Pipkin, Gerald Lollar,
Lance McCallum, Deuce McCallum, Levi McCallum, Richard Famularo, John Famularo,
Chuck Lugg, Charlie Hooper, Paul Stewart, Tommy Barker, Jeff Beasley, Darren Beavers, Stephen Beavers, Ritchie Hopper.
The family wishes to express their thanks to Etta V Eats, Between Friends, Gentivia Hospice and Southern Traditions Gift Shop
Lynnette “Nanny” Harter Stewart lived a life defined by love, faith, service, and family. She leaves behind a legacy that will remain deeply cherished, and her presence will be profoundly missed
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