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Tupelo Today
By the People, for the People
Longtime Arkansas Farmer Mary K. Hardin-Stewart Dies at 82
Hardin-Stewart founded the Jackson County 4-H Horse & Pony Club and served on the Merchants and Planters Bank Board.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Mary K. (Carrothers) Hardin-Stewart, a lifelong farmer and community leader in Tupelo, Arkansas, passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 82. Hardin-Stewart worked alongside her first husband, Jack, on Hardin Farms beginning in 1964 until his death in 2002, and continued operating the farm until 2020. She was also known for founding the Jackson County 4-H Horse & Pony Club and serving on the Merchants and Planters Bank Board.
Why it matters
Hardin-Stewart's passing marks the end of an era for Tupelo's agricultural community, as she was a pillar of the local farming industry for over 50 years. Her dedication to youth development through the 4-H club also left a lasting impact on generations of young people in the region.
The details
Hardin-Stewart was born in Joplin, Missouri in 1943 and graduated from Joplin High School before earning a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Chemistry from Linden Wood College. She married Jack Kennedy Hardin, Sr. in 1964 and worked alongside him on Hardin Farms until his death in 2002, at which point she continued operating the farm until 2020. In addition to her farming work, Hardin-Stewart founded the Jackson County 4-H Horse & Pony Club to teach local children responsibility, sportsmanship and confidence through equestrian activities. She also served on the board of Merchants and Planters Bank.
- Hardin-Stewart was born on April 12, 1943 in Joplin, Missouri.
- She married Jack Kennedy Hardin, Sr. in 1964 and began working on Hardin Farms.
- Jack Kennedy Hardin, Sr. passed away in 2002.
- Hardin-Stewart continued operating Hardin Farms until 2020.
- Hardin-Stewart passed away on February 11, 2026 at the age of 82.
The players
Mary K. (Carrothers) Hardin-Stewart
A lifelong farmer and community leader in Tupelo, Arkansas who worked on Hardin Farms for over 50 years and founded the Jackson County 4-H Horse & Pony Club.
Jack Kennedy Hardin, Sr.
Hardin-Stewart's first husband, with whom she worked on Hardin Farms beginning in 1964 until his passing in 2002.
Merchants and Planters Bank
The bank on whose board of directors Hardin-Stewart served.
Jackson County 4-H Horse & Pony Club
The youth development organization that Hardin-Stewart founded to teach local children responsibility, sportsmanship and confidence through equestrian activities.
What’s next
Hardin-Stewart will be laid to rest at a graveside service on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
The takeaway
Hardin-Stewart's lifelong dedication to farming and youth development left a lasting impact on her local community in Tupelo, Arkansas, underscoring the importance of family-owned businesses and community-driven organizations in preserving small-town values.
