Lawrence Stewart

Lawrence Harlan Stewart was born July 6, 1950 as the third child of Rev. Lawrence W. Stewart and Mattie Lou Gayden in Waukegan, Illinois.  The family roots are from Memphis, Tennessee. 

Lawrence accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church, Waukegan, IL. He was an active member there until adulthood.

Harlan attended Daniel Webster Junior High where he played JV basketball.  Later he attended Waukegan Township High School where he continued to hone his basketball skills on the court. After high school, Harlan attended Lincoln College in Illinois on scholarship and continued to play sports. Later he transferred to the Univ. of Illinois Chicago Circle (UIC).  Harlan completed his college education at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.

Lawrence met and married Rachelle Smiley (Chicago) in June, 1981.  To this union was born one daughter, Ashley Lynise, in 1984.  The family attended Shiloah Baptist Church, Chicago, where he participated in the Shiloah Men’s Association (SMA).  In 2010, Lawrence joined the DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church where he was active in many facets of the church including serving as a Class Leader and participating in the Brotherhood Men’s Ministry.

Larry, as he was affectionately called by friends, really enjoyed working.  His primary occupation was in human resource management at various organizations including: Baxter Travenol Labs, Soft Sheen, Budget Rent-A-Car, NIPSCO and At Home Health.  His last employment was with Allendale where he worked with at-risk youth.

Larry had an effervescent personality and a hearty laugh. He enjoyed various sports, cookouts with friends, socializing and lots of conversation!  Larry enjoyed a good debate and was a loyal friend to many.  His friends included persons of various ages and backgrounds.

Lawrence departed this earthly life on July 29, 2021 after a very private battle with cancer.  His two infant brothers, and parents preceded him in death.

Lawrence leaves to cherish his memory his only daughter, Ashley Lynise Stewart and her mother Rachelle Stewart; beloved cousins, Ella Louise Stewart Freeman (Baton Rouge, LA), Rev. Darrell K. Scott (Memphis, TN), Minnie Wiley (Chicago, IL), Kevin Wiley (Chicago, IL); and other relatives, church members, co-workers and friends.

Harlan’s most recent thoughts on life were that ‘God is already working.  Going back to normal is the goal and through his stripes it will be done’.  He accepted his final health status without complaining and departed this life in peace.

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