On June 3, 2020, Carolyn "Gumma" Clarke Stewart, 88, went to be with the Lord. She was under the loving care of her family, and wonderful staff at the Blake Township in Ridgeland, MS. Visitation will be held Saturday morning June 6, 2020, 11:00 am at Raymond Presbyterian Church in Raymond, MS, the funeral service to follow at 12:15 pm. Graveside services will follow at 1:30 pm at Raymond Cemetery.

Carolyn was born December 24, 1931 in Raymond, MS, to the late Pauline White Clarke and Robert Lee Clarke. A proud and lifelong citizen of Raymond, she began her grade school education in Raymond. In school she enjoyed participating in all activities; especially music, drama, and sports with a special love for basketball and great pride in her ability as a ping pong whiz. After high school she attended Hinds Junior College in Raymond, MS where she was a soloist and in the college choir. She also enjoyed organizing and being a part of social and sporting events during her time at Hinds Community College. After her completion of junior college she enrolled at Belhaven University in Jackson, MS where she majored in Secretarial Science and Music. While at Belhaven she enjoyed singing in the 'The Belhaven Christmas Tree" and won the "Best Actress" award while there.

Upon graduation she briefly worked as a bookkeeper before settling into her career as an educator. She taught first grade at 11 schools in the Hinds County School System. During that time she received her Master's in Education from Mississippi College. She received distinctions from the President and State Legislature. She was a member and served as president of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary society for female educators. Later in her career she taught Reading and Basic Math at Hinds Community College - Nursing Allied Health Center in Jackson, MS.

Carolyn was a lifelong member Raymond Presbyterian Church, which she loved and was involved in many aspects of for her entire life. During her life she served as President of the Women of the Church, Director of Vacation Bible School, was a member of the choir, soloist and enjoyed fixing church flowers.

Carolyn loved life and lived it to the fullest. She loved to travel with her late husband of 45 years Roger C. Stewart. They enjoyed charter bus tours all over the US and cruises with their granddaughter, Adelaide. She spent her adult life with Roger in their home, naturally painted pink, in the middle of the town, across from Raymond Presbyterian Church and next to the grocery store. She loved spring and fall festivals, especially her favorite the Neshoba County Fair, which she attended every year until her later years.

Known to everyone as "Gumma" with a flair for bright, beautiful outfits, orange fingernail polish and a law abiding but heavy foot in a Lincoln town car. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Always strong willed and a she had a tremendous love for the Lord and the Presbyterian Church. She was the tireless in her role as the "Rock" of the Stewart Family. She loved to cook, and so many were glad that she did. She was known for her caramel cake and pimento cheese sandwiches, but would prepare a meal for her family and friends daily. She was always there for anyone in need, never met a stranger, and was a wonderful conversationist. She would be the first one up for family and friends to have coffee with and the last to bed in the event that she could assist anyone. In her last wonderful days, she still shared her strength and calmness, her only concern was that each member of her family was okay.

Mrs. Stewart was preceded in death by her beloved husband Roger C. Stewart "Dan Dan", and her sister Avis Pauline Clarke of Raymond, MS.

Mrs. Stewart is survived by her son Dr. Clarke Stewart and his wife Frankie of Raymond, MS. Her daughter Dr. Paula Stewart Strange also of Raymond, MS. She is also survived by her grandchildren Dr. Stewart Strange and his wife Cassi (Waverly and Dempsey), Adelaide Hays and her husband Andrew (Isabelle), Roger Strange, Clarke Stewart Jr., Susannah Stewart, and Philip Stewart.

David Irving will be officiating the funeral service. Music at the funeral service will be provided by Mr. Allen Harris, Mr. Billie Causey, and Dr. Stewart Strange. Piano will be provided by Mrs. Joy Lyle.

Serving as pallbearers will be her four grandsons Dr. Stewart Strange, Mr. Roger Strange, Mr. Clarke Stewart Jr., Mr. Philip Stewart. Also serving as pallbearers will be dear friends of Mrs. Stewart and the family Mr. Oliver Shearer, Dr. Brad Armstrong, Dr. Hiram Gatewood, Jr. and Mr. Ray Smith. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Dr. Thad Strange, Dr. Scott Gatewood, Dr. Hiram Gatewood, Mr. Lee Thornton, Mr. Donnie Traweek and Mr. Andrew Hays.

On behalf of the family we would like to thank The Blake at Township under the direction of Victor O. Smith, caregivers and her attending physician, Dr. Ruth Fredericks.

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial gifts to Raymond Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1414, Raymond, MS 39154.