Brenda Smith Stewart

Brenda Smith Stewart, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 4, 2023, in Houston, Texas. Brenda was born on January 19, 1944, in Magee, Mississippi to Hilton and Mattie Lou Smith. Brenda spent her young school days in Magee, Mississippi. Her family moved a lot, so she and her brothers were extremely close and were the best of friends.

She married Gerald Stewart on July 23, 1966, and she was a devoted wife for over 54 years. Brenda and Gerald lived in Jackson, Mississippi and spent their days on the reservoir skiing or playing tennis with their daughters, Staci and Ashley. They later moved to Kingwood, Texas. Tennis became a big part of Brenda’s life during her days in Kingwood and is where she met some of her best lifelong friends. She was always in the stands cheering on her daughters, whether it was at a swim meet or at their thousands of tennis matches over the years. She was their biggest fan and cheerleader. Brenda loved Christmas time more than anything and always made it special for the whole family. She spent weeks decorating and spent hours getting everything displayed perfectly. She started a tradition for her daughters when they were born and gifted them an annual ornament each year. Those ornaments will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Brenda, aka “Nana” loved her family more than anything. She was the best Nana anyone could ever hope for to her grandkids. They have wonderful memories with their Nana, from feeding the ducks at the lake, riding in the golf cart, playing in the fort she had built and decorated just for them under the stairs at the lake, game nights, and our funny family videos we often did during the holidays. Brenda was loved by everyone who met her. She was the most supportive wife and mom and the best friend anyone could have. She always gave the best advice and listened intently. If you knew Brenda, you were loved by Brenda.

Brenda was preceded in death by her husband Gerald; her parents, Hilton and Mattie Lou Smith; brother Emmitt Dean Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Staci Stewart Johnson and her husband Taylor; grandkids, Parker Stewart, Ally Christine and Conner Dean; her daughter Ashley Stewart Wenmohs and her husband Cale; granddaughter Kendall Paige; brother, Lowery Smith and her sister-in-law Gail Smith; niece, Melissa Smith Harmon and her husband Scott, and their children, Grace and Aubrey; nephew, Lowery Smith and his wife Kimberly, and their sons Emmitt and Lowery; nephew, Shane Stewart; niece, Lisa Stewart Comer and her husband, Scott, and their children, Mackenzie Bates and Brody Comer; nephew, Jason Collins; Sister-in-law, Carolyn Stewart Collins and Susan Stewart Ford.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at 2pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. Followed by a reception at Seasons 52 at CityCentre from 3-5pm.

The family would like to thank the following special people: Delmy for her unconditional love to Brenda and Gerald over the past several decades. You will be forever in our hearts and always a part of our family. Houston Hospice and their team of amazing nurses during the last few weeks. And, Delphina “Dee” Sloan for the wonderful care she provided our mom the last 10 days of her life around the clock…..we wouldn’t have made it without you. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Brenda Stewart can be made at your favorite pet rescue organization.