James E. Stewart Sr.

Deacon James Elliott Stewart was born on September 22, 1937 in Oaksville, Maryland to the late James Stewart, Sr. and Melissa Mae Stewart. Deacon Stewart received his formal education through the Somerset County Schools in Princess Anne, Maryland. He was married to Pearline Stewart, the woman of his dreams, on July 25, 1956. They were blessed with five wonderful children. Deacon Stewart enjoyed driving trucks-eighteen wheelers. His employment began with H. H. Hollinger when he was eighteen years old. He continued his vocation for Charlie Jackson Newton Trucking Company. In 1968, he became an employee as a truck driver and was later promoted supervisor at HP Cannon in Bridgeville, Delaware. He retired from Ralph & Paul Adams as a truck driver in Bridgeville, Delaware in 2002 after approximately 22 years of dedicated service. As a retiree, he found it difficult to remain idle, so he rekindled his love and dedication for driving trucks by working part time at Ralph & Paul Adams. James, along with his brother, William established a lawn care business. Deacon Stewart became a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Bridgeville, Delaware in 1979. One year later, he was ordained a deacon. In 1982, he became head of transportation. He did what the bible says in Ecclesiastes. 9:10, “whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…” Deacon Stewart served the church in various capacities: Building and Maintenance, Janitorial and a member of the Male Chorus. Moreover, he taught a “newcomers” class for the incoming members of the church. Due to health issues, he resigned as Chairman of the Deacons in 2012. Deacon Stewart continued to faithfully attend service. He didn’t like missing church; in fact, he attended his last service on March 22th prior to his hospitalization on Monday, March 23th. Deacon Stewart believed in family. He supported his children and grandchildren as often as he could by attending their special events. Holidays were normally spent with his children and their families, wherever they were held. He wanted to maintain family ties; thus he served on the Stewart Reunion Committee. Deacon Stewart was known affectionately as “Dad”, “Daddy”, “Daddy Ball” and “Pop Pop”. He was very personable and always had stories of his trucking adventures. He cared deeply for all his children and grandchildren. Additionally, Deacon Stewart believed in being on time-15 or more minutes early to any appointment or event. He and his wife, Pearline constantly had funny dialogues that “cracked” the kids up! He was her helpmate, driver, handy man and best food connoisseur. The Lord called His faithful servant home from labor to reward. He departed this life unto eternity on Thursday afternoon, April 2, 2015. This beloved servant of the Lord leaves to cherish his life; his wife of 58 years, Pearline Stewart of Bridgeville, Delaware; five children; Shirley Anne Stewart of Bear, Delaware; James Junior Stewart of Bridgeville, Delaware; Diane Walker (Kenneth) of Freeport, New York; Loretta Sivels (Quinton) of Lincoln, Delaware; and Stacy Dorine Stewart of Bear, Delaware; eighteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; eight siblings, Henry White (Mamie), Elizabeth Ayers, Tabiothy White all of Salisbury, Maryland; William Stewart ( Katharine) and Emma Brown, both of Princess Anne, Maryland; Mary Hayward (James) of Eden, Maryland; John Stewart (Florence) of El Paso, Texas; Rosie Randolph (Leonard) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Mother-in-Law, Beatrice Holden of Bridgeville, Delaware and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends. Deacon Stewart was preceded in death by his four brothers, Marion Stewart, Charles Stewart, Bernard Stewart and Preston Stewart; five sisters, Madeline Pinkett, Ruth Stewart, Clara Stewart, Sarah Shoffner and Ella Louise Banks. Deacon Stewart leaves behind a legacy of dedication and compassion to his family and to his church family, a demonstrated life of faith and empathy. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James E. Stewart Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

James E. Stewart Sr.

September 22, 1937 - April 2, 2015