Mary Katherine Stewart

Mary Katherine (Morgan) Stewart, 78, of Saint Johns, Fl, passed away on September 13, 2025.

Born in Sylva, North Carolina and raised in Bryson City, North Carolina, she went on to earn a master’s degree in psychology from Temple University. She moved to Atlanta, Georgia after college and, in 1986, she moved to the greater-Jacksonville, Florida area where she remained.

Mary spent most of career in the insurance industry and happily retired to spend her time gardening. It was her true passion and one of the great loves of her life. She earned a Master Gardener certification and delighted in bringing new life to her gardens. As an avid animal lover, she spent hours watching the birds, squirrels, rabbits, and butterflies enjoy the fruits of her labor.

She lived her life with unmatched energy and the will to overcome any challenge. Her faith was her driving force and a pillar in her life. As a believer, she rejoiced in the day when she would reunite with family and friends in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband Jerry Schwartz, parents Basil and Ruby Morgan, brother Donald Morgan, and her son Michael Withers.

Mary is survived by her daughter Leah Brannen (Jacksonville, FL), her sisters, Linda Gordon (Panama City Beach, FL) and Jodi Kesselring (Bryson City, NC), her aunt Frankie Dean (Sylvia, NC) and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She also leaves behind her loyal companions, Bella and Buddy, as well as her grand-dogs, Pickles and Steve.

Her wishes were to be interred in a private family ceremony. However, you can honor her memory by supporting P.A.W.S., an organization she loved and championed endlessly. Please consider donating in her honor to:

P.A.W.S Bryson City, NC

57 Lemons Branch Road

Bryson City, NC 28713

1.828.488.0418

(https://www.pawsbrysoncity.org)

“If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”