Iva Jewell French Stewart

Iva Jewell Stewart, 76, of Newbern, Tennessee, died on Friday, June 20, 2025, at West Tennessee Healthcare-Dyersburg Hospital in Dyersburg, Tennessee.

Born Tuesday, December 28, 1948, in Fort Pillow, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Milton Enlow French and the late Lilliam Elzonia Warner French.   She was a retired Accountant for R. A. Briggs in Makanda, Illinois.

She was a cherished presence among friends and family. Iva’s kitchen was always open—she delighted in cooking for others, turning even an ordinary meal into an occasion. Her passion for feeding those she loved was only matched by her affection for her cats, who were as much a part of her world as anyone lucky enough to know her.

A natural decorator with a creative eye, Iva had an uncanny way of making spaces feel inviting and uniquely hers. She was a woman of many talents, including a competitive streak when it came to games. Whether it was a round of cards, dominoes, Scrabble, or belting out her favorite karaoke tunes, Iva filled every moment with joy and a sparkle that was all her own.

Cremation services for Mrs. Stewart are under the guidance of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.  

She leaves to cherish her memory, one brother, Thomas Dale French (Maggie) of Lakeland, Florida; three sisters, Shirley Smith of Newbern, Tennessee, Ruth "Bo" Barrett of Newbern, Tennessee, and Tammy Gaye French Orlandi of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Molly French, who she considered as her own.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Dale Stewart, one brother, Charles Matthew "Buddy" French, and one sister, Betty Jo Stewart.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnson-williamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Iva Jewell French Stewart.

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