Lillian Stewart

Lillian Stewart, the oldest of seven children of Fred and Emma Fitzgerald, was born on January 1, 1914 in New Brunswick, NJ. Because her birthday fell on New Year’s Day, it was a double celebration that she and her beloved family looked forward to. Lillian celebrated 99 birthdays. Her last celebration was just over six weeks ago. Ironically, she was born on a holiday and she died on a holiday, President’s Day. Lillian’s life began before the onset of WWI and spanned 17 presidents from Woodrow Wilson, to the current President Barack Obama. Lillian’s life was one of love and devotion to God and her family. The way she lived is exemplified in the Scripture, Galatians 5:22. The “fruit of her spirit was love, joy, gentleness, goodness and faith.” Her Christian journey began at Ebenezer Baptist Church when she was a young child. She was baptized by Rev. Weathers. Lillian became a lifelong member and was a mother of the church in her Golden years. Lillian’s abiding love for her family was evident throughout her life. Though she never had any children of her own, her nurturing and maternal instincts were as great as any biological mother. When her own mother died at an early age, she remained home to help her father raise her younger sisters. She became like a mother to them and was affectionately called, “Sis.” Later on, she helped raise many of her nieces and nephews while their parents’ worked. Serving as a caregiver for them as well as great nieces and nephews, Lillian acquired more nicknames, such as “Lingo” and “Lingy.” It seemed like the younger generations could not pronounce “Lillian,” but they were just as endeared to her as those who grew up calling her Aunt Lillian. While Lillian spent the first half of her life giving unselfishly to her family, God blessed her in the second half of her life with a wonderful husband, John Stewart. He showered her with unconditional love and adoration. His two children became her children whom she loved as her own. They had nearly twenty years of happy marriage. During this time they traveled from coast to coast. They took many trips to North Carolina and California before John was called home to be with the Lord. Lillian’s golden years were some of the best years of her life. Most recently Lillian made her home with her devoted niece and namesake, Lillian Potts fondly called “Cookie,” who moved to Delaware a few years ago. During this time Cookie cared for her in a kind and loving way just as her aunt had cared for her and so many others. Known as the family historian, Lillian maintained a sharp mind and an encyclopedic memory right up until the end. She was totally engaged in the lives of her family members keeping tons of pictures and memorabilia from years past. Until just a few years ago, Lillian was a lifelong resident of the New Brunswick and Somerset communities. She was educated in the New Brunswick public schools. She leaves to cherish her memory stepchildren John Stewart of Greensboro, NC and Rev. Almetha Lewis of Denver, CO., 3 step grandchildren Chandra and Crystal of Denver, CO., John III of Greensboro, NC; and 2 step great grandchildren; two sisters Katherine Kimbo, of Glen Allen, VA and Dorothy Walters of Pennsauken, NJ; 23 nieces and nephews and a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents and husband; brothers, Fred Fitzgerald and Edward Fitzgerald, and sisters, Marion Thomason and Anna Reavis.

Lillian Stewart

February 18, 1914 - February 18, 2013