Linda Counts Stewart

Linda Faye Counts Stewart, 69, resident of Ashwood Drive, died Monday, May 11, 2015 at Vanderbilt Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 2:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Ball, Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born March 10, 1946 in Maury County, she was the daughter of the late Luther Counts and Gladys Rummage Counts. On October 24, 1964 she married James Ray "J.R." Stewart and they have celebrated fifty wonderful years together. A very family oriented person, Linda was instrumental in organizing family gatherings and enjoyed sharing her cooking talents with everyone. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren. Linda was a faithful and devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she was a former choir member. She loved attending gospel singings. She also enjoyed bowling. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Debbie Auville of Columbia; sons, Jimmy (Analida) Stewart of Cumming, Georgia, and Chris Stewart of Columbia; sister, Shirley (Bobby) Neese of Columbia; grandchildren, Ben (Katie) Auville, Eric Auville, Jonathan Stewart, Vanessa Stewart; great grandchildren, Wyatt Auville, Presleigh Auville, Jackson Auville; special family friend loved as an adopted mom, Lucille Mitchell of Columbia; aunts, Bobbie Counts and Sue Bowling; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by brothers, Ronnie Counts, Smitty Counts, Luther Counts, Jr., and Donnie Counts. Active pallbearers will be Ben Auville, Eric Auville, Jonathan Stewart, Carlton Mencer, Phillip Counts, and Ricky Mencer. Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Kelly Snyder and members of Calvary Baptist Church. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Vanderbilt Medical Center Trauma Unit for their kindness and care.