Deacon L. Stewart

STEWART, Deacon Albert L. - Age 63, departed this life suddenly, Saturday, June 11, 2011 at VA Hospital. Family hour 10 a.m. Saturday, June 18, 2011 at House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church, 1851 W. Carpenter Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. Pastor Kenneth L. Stewart officiating. Interment Arkansas State Veteran Cemetery, Little Rock, Arkansas. Family and friends will assemble at the church 10 a.m. Saturday. Deacon Stewart will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12Noon-8 p.m. Friday. Deacon Albert Leonard Stewart, the oldest of seven sons was born January 27, 1948 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to the late Leon Stewart, Sr. and Ardalia Shaw Stewart. Albert accepted Christ at an early age at Highland Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. S.B. Scott. He graduated from Coleman High School, where he was in the band and mastered the trumpet. Not long after graduating, Albert was drafted into the U.S. Army, stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training. After basic training, he fought in the Vietnam War, where he received 2 purple hearts and was Honorably Discharged. Albert reenlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served 6 years, earning many awards and was Honorably Discharged as Staff Sergeant. Upon returning to Pine Bluff, he worked several jobs including International Paper Mill and Arkansas Power and Light Company. Albert was also very skilled in carpentry and maintenance. He became a member of Lampkin Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of his brother and later Rev. Lee Arthur Shelton. Albert moved to Flint in 2002 to be close to his baby brother, Kenneth. He then united with the House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of his brother. Albert served faithfully, tirelessly, and painlessly in several capacities including present Chairman of the Deacon’s Board. He was a stickler for being on time for every event whether at his home church or visiting church. Albert was also a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Genesee Chapter 3. He had no children of his own but loved his nieces and nephews. Albert will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him. He leaves to mourn his passing: 2 brothers, Curtis Bernard Stewart of Columbus, OH and Pastor Kenneth L. (Irma) Stewart of Flint; 13 nieces and nephews, 3 of whom he catered to, Brandon, Kennesha and Micah; 3 uncles; 6 aunts; a host of cousins other relatives and friends including longtime friends, Deacon Bill R. Quarles, O.T. Watson, Pappy Haymon, the entire House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church family including the Deacon’s Board and good buddy, Nathaniel Braswell. Deacon Stewart was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers, Michael Darnell "Donnie" Stewart, David Stewart, Willie "Nail" Stewart and Leon Stewart, Jr. The family would like to express special thanks to House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church family, pastors, churches and many supporters throughout the city of Flint.