Mary Ida Stewman-Bennett was the sixth of seven children, born on July 31, 1947, to Berthal and Martha Stewman of Woodville, Mississippi. Mary first attended Cherryfield School and graduated from Wilkinson County Training School in 1965.  After graduation, she moved to Tacoma where she met a young soldier, Fred Bennett, who became her husband in 1968.  To this union, they became parents to Tracy, Travis, Troy and Terrence. Mary united with St. John Church in 1968 and was a faithful member of the Young Adult Choir, Usher Board Ministry, Sunday School, and the "Crusader" Bible Study Group" taught by Mother Irons and Mother Rogers.

She first attended Clover Park Technical College and later earned her AA degree from Tacoma Community College. Afterward, she secured a job with Home and Community Services, under the Department of Social Services, where she retired after 30 years.

As a very industrious child, Mary enjoyed sewing, painting and other crafts; but she always had a "green thumb" with an affection for the outdoors including farming, gardening, collecting antiques and other historical artifacts.

During her extended illness that spanned more than 10 years, Mary was well-cared for at home by her nurturing and protective husband, Fred and her children until his health started to fail. She departed this life on September 28, 2024 at the Heartwood Extended Health Care Center.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by Brother Earl Stewman; Sisters Elvan Heath, Catherine McQuarters, and Joeann Anderson.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory--her faithful and dedicated Husband of 56 years, Fred Bennett; Daughter Tracy Bennett-Speights; Sons Travis (Anna), Troy, and Terrence (Lorraine) Bennett.  Granddaughters--Janay, Zoey and Jazmyn; Grandsons JaQuan, Byron, Desean, Deon, and Taevon; Great-grandchildren Myianni and Jianna; Brother Cecil Stewman, Sister Emma (Alfred) Briscoe of Los Angeles, and a host of nieces, nephews, family members and friends, including Sister-in-law, Annie Henderson.