CHESAPEAKE—Mary Ellen Stewart, 67, lost a courageous three-year battle with cancer May 8, 2008.

She was born Feb. 4, 1941, in Statesville, N.C., to the late James and Pauline Austin.

Mrs. Stewart was a member of Deep Creek United Methodist Church and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Survivors include her husband, Coite Bryant Stewart Sr.; two sons, Coite B. Stewart Jr. and wife Margaret Atkinson and Charles Timothy Stewart, all of Chesapeake; two daughters, Cynthia Stewart Hallman and husband Bill of Smithfield, and Lisa Marie Stewart and husband Craig A. Stevens of Virginia Beach; six grandchildren, Jacob, Zachary, Claire, Meredith, Benjamin and Cole; and two sisters, Marjorie Holleman and Anita Mahaffey of Statesville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2730 Ellsmere Ave., Norfolk, VA 23513-2437.

Friends may sign the online guest register at www.cremate.org. Cremation Society of Virginia, Virginia Beach, is assisting the family.