Celebrating the Life of

Mary LaJuan Stewart
July 18, 1933-September 20, 2025

The world was blessed on July 18, 1933, when Mary LaJuan Stewart was born to Fred O'Shields and Opal Johnson. Raised in Sulphur Springs, Texas, as one of twelve siblings, Mary grew up surrounded by family, faith, and love—a foundation that shaped the woman she became.
Mary wore many names throughout her life-Mom, Mema, and Sissy-but each reflected the love she poured into her family. In 1960, she made Mesquite, Texas her forever home, and it quickly became the heart of family life. Every holiday and family gathering was at Mary's home, where laughter and love filled the rooms and her famous caramel pies sweetened the memories.
She was strong and independent, keeping up her beautiful yard well into her later years, always proud when it was the best-looking one on her street. Mornings with Mema were unforgettable coffee with a cookie by her side, "Me and Bobby McGee" playing on the radio, and her head bobbing as she sang along to Janis Joplin. She loved her Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers, and an evening with Gunsmoke.
Mary lived her life with a deep love for her family and a sweetness that touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed more than words can express, but her legacy lives on in every story, every laugh, and every tradition she leaves behind.
She now joins in heaven her beloved husband, Melvin Stewart; her parents, Fred and Opal; her daughter, Billie LaJaun Stewart; her sisters Betty Kates, Grace Rutledge, Joyce Burkam, and Dorothy Brown; and her brothers Billy Gene, Charley, Glynn, and Bobby O'Shields.
Carrying her memory forward are her daughter, Patricia Ragsdale; her grandchildren, Charles Ragsdale and wife Stephanie, and Toby Ragsdale; her great-grandchildren, Charles Ragsdale Jr., Skylar Ragsdale, Courtney Ragsdale, Britney Ragsdale, Whitney Ragsdale, Crissey Davis, and Cassandrae Garza; her great-great-grandchildren, Milo Dobbs, Nash Dobbs, McKenzie Clark, Brayden Davis, Brantley Davis, Orlinza, Isiah, Linda, Alejandro, and Esteban; her sister, Brenda Smiddy; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her dearly.