Our dear mother, Mary Nell Stewart, went to her rest and reward at 7:07 a.m. on March 22, 2023, at the royal age of 95.

She was a wonderful mother, sister, grandmother, and great- grandmother who was always there when we needed her. She was loved by her many friends and was an outstanding member of the New York City communities in which she thrived. Sunset comes after a long and full life.

Mary was the second of four children born to William and Agnes Joyner-Primus coming into this world on September 14, 1927 in Saint George, South Carolina. Mary was one of the strongest and most courageous women to ever walk this earth and our family is blessed to now have her as one of our ancestral matriarchs.

After graduating from Saint George High School, she migrated to New York City to pursue a career in business entrepreneurship, focusing on hair science, fashion, and cosmetology. She earned multiple degrees, accreditations, and certifications, establishing a sterling reputation as a top- tier beauty consultant.

Before traveling to New York, she met the love of her life, in the person of Mr. Henry David Stewart of Branchville, South Carolina. After a legendary courtship spanning two states and several hundred miles, they were wedded in holy matrimony in 1953. Out of this union came their only child, a son, John Edgar Stewart.

Mrs. Stewart was a role model and pioneer in life. Her Brooklyn salon, "Hair Date Coiffures" - (co-owned with her cousin Inez Harris) - served not only as a finely polished high-fashion destination, but also as a community model of excellence, service, progress, and integrity - a shining example of what focused pursuit could accomplish.

Over and above all, Mary Nell Stewart was a servant of the Lord, ever witnessing & praising her personal savior Jesus Christ. She was a member of The Order of The Eastern Star, and over the years she was a faithful attending member of Bethel Baptist Church (SC), Free Gift Baptist Church (SC), St. John's Baptist Church (NY), Wayside Baptist Church (NY), and St. Luke Baptist Church (NY) - where she sang in the Senior Choir and served as a church mother on various committees.

In her nuclear family, Mary Nell was preceded in transition by her husband, Henry David Stewart, her sister Rosena Primus-Cobbs, and her brother Jethro Primus. She is survived by her son, John Edgar Stewart; her sister, Bessie Bell Primus-Anderson; her granddaughters Kelly Juanita Omoregie (Jeff), Jasmine Mary Allen, and Ashley Morgan Allen; her great-grandsons Jayden Charles Omoregie & Omari John Omoregie -- as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.