Bernice Cotton Seymore Stewart

A graveside service will be held for Bernice C. Stewart on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Martin Cemetery in Shuqualak, MS with Rev. Johnny Simpson officiating, burial to follow. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Bernice Cotton Seymore Stewart, who was born on April 19, 1933, in Macon, Mississippi, to the late Henry Taylor Cotton and Nancy Bailey Cotton. Bernice peacefully departed this life on May 30, 2025.

Bernice gave her life to Christ at an early age at a Pentecostal church in Macon. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. She later joined Second Running Water Baptist Church, where she was a devoted and active member until her health declined.

She was first united in holy matrimony to the late Henry James Seymore, and together they raised five beloved children: Earnest Nell Lewis, Dorothy Jean Mullins, Nancy Dean McCarthy, Willie James Seymore, and Henry Earl Seymore. Later in life, Bernice found love again and married Robert Stewart, with whom she shared cherished years until his passing.

A dedicated and hardworking woman, Bernice was employed at the glove manufacturing plant in Shuqualak, Mississippi, where she worked faithfully until her retirement.

She leaves behind a lasting legacy in her twelve grandchildren: Rosalyn Denise Dentino, Angela Theresa McCarthy-Marine, Yolanda Metrice McCarthy, Rolanda Michelle McCarthy, Dewayne Edward Mullins, Comontesze Seymore, Travis Seymore, Kendrick Williams, Willison Seymore, Ashley Nicole McCarthy, and Roderick Lewis—and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She also leaves behind her loving step-son Robert Mosley, as well as four devoted siblings: Thomas Cotton, Lee Morris Cotton, Dorothy Mae Johnson, and Lulua Kate Hollingsworth, and one cherished daughter, Dorothy Jean Mullins.

Bernice will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her gentle spirit, and the strength and grace with which she lived. She touched many hearts and leaves behind a family and community who will miss her deeply and celebrate her always.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Running Water Baptist Church in Shuqualak, MS, one hour prior to the graveside service.