Jessie Merle Stewart, age 86, formerly of Ridgeland, Mississippi passed away Monday, February 20, 2023. She was a graduate of Tylertown high school in May of 1955. Merle was a member First Baptist Church of Ridgeland were she attended regularly, helping with the children's Sunday School until her health would no longer allow. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and wife who was a helpmate in running a family business with her husband Roy Henry Stewart for many years. Merle is preceded in death by her husband Roy Stewart, parents Jessie and Marjorie Fortenberry and her sister Paulette Goodnight. She is survived by her children Angela Anderson and Keith Stewart (Missy) and her grandson Denver Taylor (Amber). Her service will be held Saturday February 25, 2023. A visitation will begin at 1:00 pm followed a 2:00 pm service at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison, Mississippi. Dr. Mark Byrd will officiate. The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by all of our friends, Dr. Loper, Madison Home Place and all other medical professionals. We request no flowers but instead any donation sent to either Cancer or Alzheimer's research and cure. The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by all our friends, Dr. Loper, Madison Home Place and all other medical professionals. We request no flowers but instead any donation sent to either Cancer or Alzheimer’s research and cure.