Obituary of Erna Lee Stewart

Erna was born February 28th 1948 in Harris, Oklahoma. She was the first born of M.C. and Mamie Murray. She was born just a couple of hours before being considered a leap-year baby!

Erna graduated from Riverside High School class of 1965 where she played basketball and was a member of FHA.

On October 6, 1970 she married Bobby Stewart and together they raised two sons Dion and Mike. Not only did they cherish and love their own children but Mrs. Erna and Bobby became a mother and father figure to many others in the community meeting needs with the utmost care, kindness, and support. Erna was the consummate giver who believed that no one should go lacking. For many, she was truly a gift from God.

Erna worked and retired from Red River Army Depot after 38 years of service and employment where she gained many more life-long friends. 

Erna gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church in Harris Oklahoma. She was a devout member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Her love for her community and church family is a true testament of her faith. She worked for years to encourage the youth. In addition, her church involvement in the Zion District Association Training and Educational courses for which she was committed to serving is a testament of her commitment, loyalty and concern for women’s ministry, a cause for which she dearly loved. Erna was a member of the Women of Excellence Mission Auxiliary. She has truly left her mark and was a star in His kingdom.

She was preceded in death by her parents M.C. and Mamie Murray-Butts, husband Bobby Stewart, brother Clemmie Murray, and son Michael Murray.

She leaves to cherish her memories her favorite auntie and her mother’s only living sister Essie Deloney Stephney. Siblings: Linda Faye Murray, Glimerine Ware, Shirley (Charlie) Fields, Beverly (John) Permetter, Pamela Murray, and Gary Murray. Son: Dionte Stewart, Grandchildren: Xavier “Quan” Stewart, Christopher and Vanessa Stewart, and Alyah Murray, Great-Granddaughter: Melanie Bagby, along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and dear friends.