Lessie Dean Stuart

Lessie Dean Stuart, lovingly known as Dean, passed from this life on September 10, 2026, in Hon, Arkansas, at the age of 91. She was born August 1, 1935, in Forrester, Arkansas, to Usley "Hoot" Mahurin and Ruby (Brown) Mahurin.

Dean knew how to work hard and love with her whole heart. For well over 30 years, she worked in the poultry processing industry, never one to shy away from a hard day's work. But caring for her family was the work closest to her heart. When she wasn't working, she was looking after the people she loved, making sure they were cared for and knew just how much they meant to her. Dean didn't just tell her family she loved them; she showed them in the things she did every day.

There was nothing quite like being loved by Dean. Whether you called her Mom, Nanny, or a dear friend, you knew you had someone who cared about you deeply. Her family was at the center of her life, and being needed by the people she loved gave her a way to do what came so naturally-take care of others. That love reached across generations, from her children to the little ones who made her a great-great-grandmother.

Dean also had a special place in her heart for the Arkansas Razorbacks. She was a die-hard fan, and it didn't matter what sport they were playing-if the Hogs were playing, Dean was ready to cheer them on. Calling the Hogs and enjoying a good cup of coffee were simple pleasures that were so much a part of who she was. In the years ahead, those familiar things will bring her loved ones a smile, even as they wish she were there to enjoy them once more.

Dean leaves behind to cherish her memory her two sons, Larry Stuart and Tim Stuart, both of Hon, Arkansas, and her son-in-law, Chuck Reay, also of Hon, Arkansas and one brother Danny (Debbie) Mahurin of Bates, Arkansas.

Nanny will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Daniel (Erica) Stuart of Waldron, Arkansas; Tabetha (Lance) Jones of Muldrow, Oklahoma; John (Shelly) Stuart of Booneville, Arkansas; and Chucky Reay and Kenny Reay, both of Hon, Arkansas. Her love will also live on in her great-grandchildren, Brandon, Jesse, Tristan, Tyler, Luke, Allie, Hannah, and Octavia, and her great-great-grandchild, Carter. Dean will be dearly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whom she loved with that same generous heart.

Dean was preceded in death by her husband, Kennith Stuart; her daughter, Karen Reay; and her siblings, Mary Smith and Charlie Mahurin.

Dean's graveside celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Center Point Cemetery in Hon, Arkansas. Family and friends will gather to honor their beloved Mom, Nanny, and friend, remembering a lifetime of hard work, devoted care, and wholehearted love.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Saying goodbye to Dean means missing so many familiar, everyday things, but most of all, her family will miss the way she cared for them. She leaves them with the precious comfort of knowing they were loved completely. Every time they care for one another, gather as a family, or raise a cheer for her Razorbacks, a little part of Dean will be right there with them.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.