Floyd Stewart Passes
Floyd Stewart was born on September 27, 1929, in Moorhead, Mississippi, to Appolus and Mary Stewart. He was one of 11 children. He had seven brothers and three sisters. In 1949 Floyd married the love of his life, Christine Carter, and with this union bore 13 children, eight daughters and five sons.
In 1951, Floyd relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife and two small children. They became members of New St. Mark Baptist Church, and later joined New Hope Baptist Church. He was a faithful member and loved singing in the choir. Floyd understood the importance of his family attending Sunday school and church each week. He allowed no excuses, and no exceptions! Floyd began employment at Sears Roebuck, in the early 1950s, and later transitioned to General Motors from which he retired after 38 years of service. Floyd was no stranger to hard work. He learned carpentry skills (basic construction, plumbing & electrical) from his father in-law, which allowed him to earn additional income to support his growing family. Floyd would work his "side jobs" in the morning and then head to his "real job" in the afternoon. You never heard him complain.
Not only did Floyd work to create a better life for his family, he believed in bringing others along with him. Floyd embodied being "my brother's keeper." Whether family needed a place to stay or had a financial need, he welcomed them with open arms. He truly loved helping people.
Floyd was the epitome of a people person. He loved to talk and drop pearls of wisdom. Floyd was a jokester, but he always kept it real. Some of his best jokes could be heard in the dining room during Sunday family dinners on College Street. So many memories were created at Sunday dinners where family and friends gathered for good food, playing cards and fellowship. His home was open to all. His wife Christine loved to cook, and would make meals "Fit for a King." One of her favorite sayings was "God said feed the hungry," and together, that's what they did. Stewart family Sunday dinners were reminiscent of the Parable of Jesus with the five loaves of bread and two fish with a touch of Soul Food. Every weekend, family and friends would line up extending outside the back kitchen door, anxiously waiting to be served. There was always enough food for everyone. Even if you showed up to dinner late, and the pots on the stove were empty, there was always a "secret stash" to make a plate for you.
Floyd was well known throughout the neighborhood and community. He loved giving kids rides around the block on his motorcycle. All of his children's friends, his sibling's kids and his wife's sibling's kids were welcome in his home. Floyd was respected as a disciplinarian. Family and friend alike knew when he spoke, they better listen. He impacted so many lives, both young and old.
In his spare time, Floyd loved to go fishing, play bingo and cards, or just talk – real talk. Honoring tradition, Floyd would take annual trips back home to Mississippi with his family, making sure they knew their roots. After retiring from General Motors, he continued to perform carpentry work, travel and spend time with his family.
On Sunday afternoon, March 5, 2023, the Lord called his son Floyd home. Floyd was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Stewart; his daughters, Dorothy Jean Matthews, Eunice Stewart and Claudia Taylor; his grandson Jason Stewart; his parents Appolus and Mary Collins Stewart, sister, Dorothy Mae Stewart, and brothers, Samuel Stewart, Virgil Stewart, Fred Stewart, Cary Stewart, George Stewart, James Stewart and Reola Stewart.He leaves to cherish his memory his children Floyd (Darline) Stewart, Ozella Pierre, Jeanette Gillard, Angelo (Mary) Stewart, Melvin (Brenda), Joyce Stewart, Becky (Ken) Tezeno, Christine Stewart, Apollo Stewart, Denise O'Neal, Kevin Stewart and Deloris Frazier; 33 Grandchildren, 53 Great-Grandchildren, 2 Great-Great Grandchildren; sisters Lillie Mae Ville and Barbara (John) Large; sister in-law Willie Carter; brother in-law Jim (Judy) Carter; many special nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews, cousins and a host of family and friends.
The celebration of life for Floyd Stewart will take place on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at New Hope Baptist Church. Visitation for friends and the community at large will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 from 4-7pm, also at New Hope Baptist Church. Floyd will be sadly missed by all whose life he touched.
Floyd Stewart
The Man.
The Myth.
The Legend.
The Impact.
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