Lynwood Rachford Stewart Sr. Passes
Lynwood Rachford Stewart Sr. aged 93, entered his heavenly home after a short battle with Covid-19 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids on December 28, 2020.
Lynwood was from jumble beginnings in Holly springs, Ms. He was born to Richard and Roxie Pryor Stewart. He was the last living of 14 siblings.
He accepted Christ at an early age and after high school entered the military as PFC guear during the occupation of Germany, 1945 through 1946, the last year of World War II, eartning the Victory Metal.
After returning home from war, Lynwood married the late Katie Porter. Two children were born to that union, Lynwood Jr. and Penoria Stewart. He moved his family to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1950. Lynwood joined Messiah Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Keith. Lynwood was a faithful, long-term member, singing in the choir and on the usher board doing what he absolutely loved.
He went to college in his later years at age 60 and earned an associte degree and a degree in Culinary Arts. Lynwood was a sharing and caring person who loved everyone and met no strangers. He was well known at downtown festivals and festivities for his dancing skill. He loved to dance and he loved music. He also played several instruments.
Mr. Rachford learned and loved to cook at an early age and was a very good cook. He was a chef at several upscale restaurants in Grand Rapids. He also loved to read and socialize with people. Lynwood loved his family and absolutely loved being a resident of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. In his words, "I love this place and the people. They are so good to me. This is the best place ever. I have everything I need here. Thank you son for bringing me here. I am so proud to have served my country, because this is my family to. I have some special friends here and they are pretty," he said laughing out loud.
Lynwood was prece3ded in death by his late wife Katie, parents Richard and Roxie Stewart and all of his siblings. He leaves to mourn two children, Lynwood (Mary) Stewart Jr. and Penoria Stewart of Grand Rapids, MI, five grandsons, Anthony, Sidney, Brian, Dontae, Kintae and a host of great grand and nieces and nephews.
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