Joie Merlin Stewart was the eighth child of Elvin "Pie" Nickens and James Edison "Dick" Stewart. He was born Nov, 1953 at Pumpkin Center, Tangipahoa Parish, La. Joie married Frances M. McAlister, date and location unavailable. She was born Jul, 1955 at Tickfaw, Tangipahoa Parish, La. Frances was the daughter of Brent Lemuel McAlister and Marie Gordon. Joie and Frances do not have children.