Nova Lynn (Stafford) Steward

Nova Lynn Stafford Steward, longtime resident of the Somerville Community and native Fayette Countian departed this life Monday evening, August 19, 2013 at the Dove Health Care Center in Collierville. She was 92 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Services of Remembrance for Mrs. Steward were conducted at 11 A.M. Thursday, August 22nd at the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville with Rev. Larry “Doc” Dollar of Walnut, Mississippi officiating. Personal remarks and reflections were given by her granddaughter, Stephanie Skelton and Lillie German Fletcher of the Antioch United Methodist Church. Interment followed in the Hood Cemetery in the Warren Community. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes and Cremation Center — Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mrs. Steward was born June 7, 1921 in Fayette County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Robert Wilson Stafford and Minnie Lee Lewis Stafford, early residents of the Antioch Community. She received her education in the Fayette County Public School System and was a lifelong resident of the Somerville area. She was a dedicated homemaker who loved her children and family and in later years served as a caregiver for a number of people in the Somerville area.

Mrs. Steward was grateful for her Christian heritage that was passed on to her by the Stafford family. She was a longtime member of the Antioch United Methodist Church, where her father served as minister in his later years. The church was founded by Mrs. Steward’s grandfather, Rev. Henry Cannon Stafford. She will be remembered for her love of quilting and crocheting and shared many of her beautiful handmade items with others. Many will remember Mrs. Steward as an avid walker who was frequently seen walking at a vigorous pace throughout the Somerville Community.

Mrs. Steward is survived by four daughters, Bettye J. Sindle of Jackson, GA, Nina Dawkins of Arlington, TN, Glenda Gail Steward of Somerville, Linda Dale Riley of Memphis; three sons, Donald R. Steward of Biloxi, MS, Wayne Steward of West Memphis, AR, Gary Steward of Frankfort, KY; two sisters, Shirley King of Selmer, TN, Mildred Roberts of Harrison, AR; two brothers, L.Z. Stafford of Lake Cormorant, MS, Tyree Stafford of Bolivar, TN; 16 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Dianne Berry.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers were Rob Steward, Kevin Culver, Ken Hoskins, Blake Steward, Seth Steward and Austin Smith.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Antioch United Methodist Church, c/o Lillie Fletcher, 5805 Feathers Chapel Drive, Somerville, TN 38068 or the Dove Health Care Center, 490 W. Poplar Avenue, Collierville, TN 38017.