Iva Jean Clayton Stewart, 85, died peacefully on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at North Mississippi Medical Center’s Hospice Unit surrounded by family. She was born January 24, 1939 in Booneville, Mississippi to Clint Clayton and Linnie Vivian Hutchen Clayton. When she was sixteen Iva Jean moved to the Chicago, Illinois area and remained throughout most of her life until relocating to Town Creek Alabama in 1999, where she called home until her health began to decline and she moved to Lee County, Mississippi to be closer to family. Iva Jean was best known for being a Beautician, she started her long and successful career as the owner of The Jewel Box, at one point she owned four beauty shops in the Chicagoland area. While living in Illinois she was a member of Union Congregational Church in North Aurora, Illinois.
Iva Jean enjoyed keeping busy not only in her professional life, but also personal hobbies. She was very creative and spent time crocheting, needle pointing, and home remodeling. She enjoyed tending to her garden. She especially found joy in antique shopping and finding other hidden treasures while shopping.
Iva Jean is survived by her two children, Dyan Stacy Cayson of Saltillo; and C. Christine Tribby and her husband, Mark, of Pilot Point, Texas; three grandchildren, Brian Cayson, Laura Lorenz, and Tyler Tribby; one great-grandson, Jackson Matthew Cayson; one sister, Birdie Palmer; one brother, Ray Clayton and his wife, Janice; several nieces and nephew; and her husband, Gene Stewart and his son, Michael.
She was preceded by her parents; one sister, Dovie Seminary; and brothers, Vester Clayton, and Ernest Clayton.
Visitation will be 1 until 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Pegues, Tupelo.
A memorial service honoring her life will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with The Rev. Dr. Gerald Gann officiating.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Mississippi Chapter, PO Box 456, Ridgeland, MS 39158.
