Mary E. Stuart

"Her Life was full of service"

Mary Evelyn Tankersley-Stuart, the daughter of Zelton Sanders (1908-1985) and Willie Hazel Tankersley (1911-1990), was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma on January 21, 1927. Mary began her early childhood instructing her dolls and dog and was always has been in love with helping and teaching others, reading books, and sharing her thoughts and opinions with others about everything.  From middle school through high school Mary would spend her summers helping younger students with their studies. Mary graduated from Manual Training High School in Muskogee, Oklahoma in 1945. Around 1950, Mary and her family moved to Lawrence, Kansas where she met James Earl Stuart and they were married in Jackson County, Missouri on November 10, 1952.  To this union was born three children; Carmel Edward Stuart, Alyca Evelyn Stuart, and Rodney Eric Stuart. Mary worked for Hallmark Cards in Lawrence, Kansas while attending the University of Kansas. After graduating, Mary had a long career teaching, beginning at the University of Kansas teaching ESL During this time is where Mary began learning about the Bahai faith and declared herself to the Bahai faith and a believer and follower of Bahu'u'llah, as she continued to teach and serve others. As time continued Mary joined her daughter in El Paso, Texas where she began teaching at St. Joseph Catholic School and also was an instructor at La Tuna Federal Prison in Anthony, Texas. Preceding her in death are Mary's siblings, Cassie Eldrice Dotson and Bettie Jean Dotson-Nelson and her eldest son, Carmel Edward Stuart. Mary leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Alyca Evelyn Moore (William Jr.), and a son Rodney Eric Stuart (Beth), several grandchildren; Heather Carlos Stuart, Zackiel Stuart, Jose Edric Stuart, Miguel Angel Palamino, Lisa Blake, Alfonso Edric Echeverria (Yoriko), Rodney (Tony) Alfonso Echeverria (Veronica), Tracy L Moore, Shana Moore, Jocelyn Moore-Drazkowski (Brian), Rocelyn Moore, and William Moore III. A host of great-grandchildren; Liam, Linda, Trinity, Amari, Maelyca, Blu, Darryl, Marjae, Rahjon, Ray, William IV, Makayla, Marcus. Last but not least 3 adorable great-great grands; Rey Alexander, Xiamora, Trinity II. Gran gran will be fondly remembered by a plethora of other relatives, as well as her longtime friends Mayola Thompson Reeves and Tonia Marie Johnson of California. You will always be in our hearts.