Melissa Ann Stewart

Melissa Ann McCollum Stewart, 94, of Waveland, Mississippi, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Melissa was born at home in Covington County, MS on November 2, 1930 to Knox and Vera McCollum. She had two older siblings, Doris and Tom. Melissa attended Belhaven College before enrolling in the Radiology Technician program at Masonite Hospital in Laurel. While participating in clinical training in Vicksburg, she met Marvin Stewart on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. They were married on November 20, 1952. The following fall, their first child (Karen) was born; followed by 2 sons in 1955 and 1956 (Jim and Mike). After living temporarily in Hattiesburg, south Louisiana, and Jackson, they settled in Vicksburg in 1967. Marvin died unexpectedly in 1971 and thereafter Melissa relied on her faith, personal strength, self-determination, and love for her family to get them through challenging years. She was an effective and proud employee of the Street Clinic in various roles before her retirement; and after retirement she served as an Auxilian for River Regional Medical Center. Although Melissa always considered Vicksburg her true home, she agreed to move from Vicksburg in 2018 to be closer to family in south Mississippi. She maintained contact with longstanding Vicksburg friends and neighbors, including the late Lois Robey, as well as Ann Morris, Martha Ann Diaz, and Christine Minder.

Melissa spent her last years living with Karen in Waveland MS where they enjoyed frequent visits from Jim and Mike, as well as from grandsons Michael and Cullen Stewart, and their families. Melissa passed peacefully at home under the care of Deaconess Hospice on September 21, 2025. She was 94 years old. Survivors include her 3 children - Karen, Jim (Cindy) and Mike; 5 grandchildren – Sommer Bankston, Ben Batson (Cara), Lindsey DeKay, Michael Stewart (Molly), and Cullen Stewart (Ariel); and - 6 great grandchildren: Stella and Ramona Batson (Ben/Cara); Braxton and Charlie Stewart (Michael/Mollie); and Caleb Fallis and Colin Stewart (Cullen/Ariel).

Melissa wished any memorials would be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital stjude.org, Save the Children savethechildren.org, or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of Melissa’s life will be held in Waveland, MS, at a date TBD. The Family will hold a private interment at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery in Vicksburg at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Deaconess Hospice which services the MS coast area for their kind and loving care. Staff included: KK and Nikki - Home health aides; Nathan and Tiffany – RNs; Willie Mae and Tasha - Social workers; Josh – Chaplain; and Sofie - volunteer. Each offered their unique skills and gifts toward Melissa’s care.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Melissa Stewart.