Nan Sadler Stewart

Funeral Services for Cookeville resident, Nan Sadler Stewart, will be conducted, Friday, January 27 at twelve o’clock noon, from Collegeside Church of Christ. Family will receive friends Thursday 4:00 – 7:00 pm, at the church. Mrs. Stewart passed peacefully, in her home, January 23, 2023, comforted by her loving children.

Born Nan Ola Sadler June 05, 1940, the fourth of eight children, Miss Sadler grew up in the large and loving household of her parents, the late Honorable John Fowler Sadler and the late Mary Anderson Sadler of Livingston TN. Their hillside residence was a welcoming and nurturing home to countless family and friends. A 1958 Livingston Academy graduate, Miss Sadler married her lifelong friend and high school sweetheart, Earl Ray Stewart, July 01, 1959 (deceased March 18, 2022).

Mrs. Stewart, graduated from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute (TTU), with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She later earned a Master of Science in Education (TTU) and a Master of Science in Speech and Reading Diagnostics, from Saginaw Valley State University (MI). Mrs. Stewart enjoyed an illustrious and rewarding thirty five year career, having taught school in the states of Tennessee and Michigan. She exemplified personal and professional commitment to providing quality education and to affording her students every academic opportunity. Her impact and influence far exceeded the borders of her classroom. She was a beloved teacher, role model and mentor to hundreds.

A devoted Christian, Mrs. Stewart embodied the principals of faith and service in every element of life. She and her late husband worshiped with Collegside Church of Christ, where they engaged in a host of good works. They dearly loved their Collegeside family.

Without equal, her greatest treasures were her three granddaughters and three grandsons, about whom she was passionate. Attending their activities and celebrating their accomplishments brought immeasurable pleasure and contentment. Her love, affection and generosity were unlimited and unconditional.

Mrs. Stewart is survived by her devoted daughters; Mary Beth Stewart (Greg) Shirley of Cookeville and Ronda Lee (Kelly O’Callaghan) Stewart of St. Clair Shores MI and her loving son, Robert Ray (Elizabeth) Stewart of Chattanooga. Also surviving are beloved granddaughters; Mary Landress Stewart and Grace Gilman Stewart of Chattanooga and Elizabeth Wells Stewart of Nashville and adored grandsons; Trent Gregory Shirley, Grant Alan Shirley and Stewart Lee Shirley, all of Cookeville.

Surviving siblings include dear sister, Gale Sadler Little of Cookeville and cherished brothers; David (Pam) Sadler of Livingston, Don (Joanne Pralle) Sadler of Melbourne Beach FL and Dr. John (Anita) Sadler of Bremerton, WA. Additional survivors include siblings-in-law; Terri Sadler, Teresa Poindexter Sadler, Bruce Hudgens and former brother-in law, James Robbins.

Mrs. Stewart is blessed to be survived by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Stewart was predeceased by infant daughter; Debra Lynn Stewart (March 18, 1963), sister, Dr. Diane Sadler and brothers, Kenneth Sadler and Jerry Sadler. Her maternal grandparents were the late Marlin Frank Anderson and Nannie Dudney Anderson; paternal grandparents were the late John E. Sadler and Ollie Armour Sadler, all of Gainesboro, TN.

Active pallbearers are to include grandsons; Trent, Grant and Stewart Shirley; brother, Don Sadler and nephews Dan Sadler Bartula and James Howard Robbins, Jr. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Dr. John Frank Sadler, Dr. Chet Mason Gentry and Mr. Joseph Lucent. Interment, following services, will be in the Draper Memorial Cemetery, Gainesboro. Hooper, Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is entrusted with family care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Mustard Seed Ranch and the Happy Haven Childrens’ Home are encouraged.