Celebrating the Life of Madeline (Mattie Lee) Steward

Madeline Steward, a beacon of love, hope, faith, and resilience, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at the age of 90. Born Mattie Lee Nash, named after her grandmother, she was the daughter of Calvin Nash and Elizabeth (Perkins) Nash. Madeline was born on August 13, 1935, in College Station, Arkansas, and was the seventh of eleven children.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Earl Steward Jr.; her second husband, Charles Curley; her beloved daughter, Crystal Steward; her great-grandson, Israel Steward; and all ten of her siblings.

Madeline is survived by her sons, Earl Steward III, Marc Steward (Juliet), Alphonso Steward (Shannon), and her daughter, Vernethia Hill (Darryl). Madeline was a loving grandmother to nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Christian Steward, Christie-Marie Jackson (Sissy), Marcus "Jahmai" Steward (Bethany), Bradley Steward, Kelvin Kirksey II (Mercedes), Alphonso Steward Jr., Allycia Steward, Jordyn Kirksey, Sophie Steward(Selma) (Mia), Zaylah Steward, Belal Steward, Beau Steward, Kelvin Kirksey III, and Cooper Steward.

Madeline is also survived by a multitude of friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins.