Andrew Steward

Andrew was born on February 24, 1947 in Sacramento, California to AT Steward and Levora Fitz Steward. He received his GED while in the US Army where he served his country for 4 years. Also while in the military, Andrew made the decision to commit his life to Jesus Christ. Upon his discharge, he moved to Dallas, TX where he spent the rest of his life. It was in Dallas that he met the love of his life, Debra Kay (Easley) Steward. The happy couple dated for 2 years and were married on June 24, 1978. Together, they raised a total of 10 children. Andrew always worked diligently to provide for his family. He worked his last 25 years as a custodian at the US Post Office Bulk Mail center in Dallas before retiring.

Affectionately known as Papa Bear, Grandpapa, Grandpa Jam and PawPaw, Andrew was the epitome of a loving man. He dedicated his life to caring for women and children just as instructed in Scripture. While his children were in grade school, he was known as the neighborhood dad, driving students to and from school, cheering from the sidelines for basketball games, track meets and never missing a music or dance performance. In his latter years, he served alongside his wife at Debra K. Steward’s Food for the Soul Ministries and Altrusa International Southwest Dallas County as one of the few male members. His primary job in both organizations was to ensure the safety of the women and children by walking them to their cars in the evenings. He was also a member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship where he served in the media ministry.

After a lengthy illness, Mr. Andrew Thomas Steward, went home to be with his Savior on January 26, 2018 at the age of 70.

He is preceded in death by his parents AT Steward (father), Levora Fitz Steward (mother), and Ophelia Steward (stepmother); his siblings, Eulalia Keyes, Lanet Reed, Kevin Steward, Lamark Steward, his daughter Ara Barron, and his granddaughter Ariana Siriwardena.

Andrew is survived by his wife Debra Kay Steward; children Sharon Allmond (Maurice) Andrew Thomas Steward III, Aletha Miller (Raymond), Christina Siriwardena (Brian), Gloria Barron, Milton Tatum, Rennea Myree, Timothy Hawley, Soncerrae Hawley Elder (Quan), a daughter-in-love Charlotte Steward; siblings Melba Jewel, Faye Dell Steward, Laye Dell Richmond, Stella Steward, Barbara Galley, Renee Ware, Victor Steward, Vernon Steward, Troy Steward, Felecia Stallworth, Crystal Wiley, Deon Steward; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great grandchildren.