Frances Mildred Stewart

Frances Mildred Stewart (93) passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William (Bill) Stewart, Sr., with whom she shared 64 years of enduring love, partnership, and devotion.

Mil was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana during the Great Depression. She was the daughter of a paper mill carpenter and a mother whose gifts in the kitchen were shaped in her family's boarding house. From these beginnings, she carried forward a deep appreciation for hard work, hospitality, and the quiet art of making a home. She attended Bogalusa High School and later Louisiana State University.

It was at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church that she met the young man who would become her husband, beginning a lifelong journey together. Their years took them across many states, and wherever they lived, Mil formed lasting friendships. Eventually, they made their home in Orange Park, Florida, where they settled for 35 years. They became deeply involved in First Baptist Church of Orange Park, building a cherished community of dear friends. Her Christian faith was very important to her, and she was regarded as a mentor by many.

While in Orange Park, Mil worked at the Rolling Pin kitchen wares store and Carpet Barn/Carpet Max.

Mil found joy in the everyday gifts of life—cards played around a table, a good movie, a well-loved book, and most of all, the company of others. Her kindness, faith, and genuine love of people were an inspiration to all who knew her.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff members at the Windsor Independent Living and Riverside Post Acute, who surrounded her with loving care in her final years.

She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Cindy (Marv) Kochel, Barry (Jewell) Stewart, Bill (Jill) Stewart, Jr., and Mark (Helene) Stewart. She took great pride in her grandchildren—Ashley (Troy), John, Brittany (David), Haley (Jason), Josh (Samantha), Rebecca (Jacob), and Demetri. In her last years, she found profound delight in her six great-grandchildren, and most recently, a great-great grandchild.

Mil will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the home she created wherever she was, and the enduring presence she leaves in the lives of those who knew her. She will be dearly missed.