Louise A. Stewart, formerly of Du Quoin

Louise A. Stewart, age 103 and formerly of Du Quoin, died in Metropolis, Illinois, surrounded by her loved ones and caregivers.

Louise lived a full life and leaves behind many cherished friends and colleagues. Louise was an educator, mentor and an example of a life well lived.

Her educational career began after she graduated from Southern Illinois University in May of 1942 with a bachelor's degree in Education and a major in Elementary Education.

Louise began teaching at Lakeview Elementary in Carrier Mills, Illinois. Her career ended in 1982 as a third grade teacher at Wheatley School in Du Quoin, which marked 38 years of teaching public education.

Louise was always one to champion a child's development through education. She earned a reputation of going the extra mile for any child and pouring her heart into her teaching, as her love for her students was her driving force to see them all succeed.

Louise was born in March 1917 in Nashville, Tennessee to her parents, William and Edna (Epperson) Stewart. They preceded her in death as did her brother, Harrison Stewart.

Louise leaves a legacy through her many students, who were blessed and graced to have her as their teacher. Louise received many accolades - which she was never comfortable with, as she was a modest woman and whose thanks came when her pupils excelled.

Louise was laid to rest in a private ceremony as she requested.