[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 49 (Thursday, April 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E543]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A TRIBUTE TO THE STEWART FAMILY AND THE STEWART FUNERAL HOME 100TH 
                        ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 4, 2001

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, last December 2, 2000 in Washington, DC, 
members of the Stewart Family celebrated the 100th year Anniversary of 
Stewart Funeral Home.
  John Thomas Stewart, Sr., a young African-American Christian man 
traveled along dirt roads and trolley tracks to Washington, DC, holding 
tight to a big dream. He was determined to serve his community and to 
provide dignified funeral services for Washingtonians. He borrowed 
money from his brothers and sisters to purchase a casket and a 
gravesite, and then walked to a Northeast Washington home and arranged 
for the burial of a child. Mr. Stewart founded the Stewart Funeral Home 
at 62 H Street NW, Washington, DC, marking the beginning of a rich 
heritage and tradition of professionalism and community service in the 
Washington, DC metropolitan community, referred to by the Stewart 
family as ``The Tradition of Stewartship.''
  To meet the needs of rapid growth, John T. Stewart, Sr. and his 
family expanded the business and twice moved the funeral home to new 
locations on H Street NE. During this first half-century, the elder 
John Stewart became well-known throughout the local community for his 
Christian charity, kindness and benevolence. The Federation of Civic 
Associations in 1957 dedicated a booklet in commemoration to him that 
stated, ``. . . John Stewart did not aspire to be famous or great. 
Rather, he was a plain, God-fearing man who sought only to live a full 
and useful life, devoted to his family, his business, his church and 
the community. He was dedicated to helping others and lending a helping 
hand to the less fortunate. He carved out a niche in the hearts of his 
neighbors through his kindness, tolerance and generosity. His unselfish 
willingness to help others, without thought of credit or reward, looms 
large in the rich spiritual legacy he left, transcending fame and 
greatness.'' John T. Stewart, Sr. had the wisdom and forethought to 
share his knowledge and philosophy with his eventual successor, John T. 
Stewart, Jr.
  John T. Stewart, Jr. was indoctrinated with the proud Tradition of 
Stewartship and continued his father's legacy. He and his wife, 
Margaret Stewart, who gave up her career as a teacher in Prince 
George's County, continued the tradition of sympathy and service to the 
community, serving in both leadership and advisory roles in numerous 
civic, religious and public service organizations.
  In 1964, with continued growth of the business and inherited 
dedication to providing top quality care and sympathy, John T. Stewart, 
Jr. built a first rate facility at 4001 Benning Road, NE, which today 
stands as a landmark institution in Washington, DC. This new and modem 
facility was built as a memorial to John, Sr., the founder of Stewart 
Funeral Home. And like his father, John Stewart, Jr. provided guidance 
to his sons in funeral service and in the importance of community 
responsibility.
  In 2001, Margaret Stewart, her sons, John T. Stewart III and Carlin 
O. Stewart, and her granddaughter, Stacye, vigilantly continue the 
Tradition of Stewartship. Stacye, now under the tutelage of her father, 
John III, represents the fourth generation of the Stewart Funeral Home 
family. While their business has changed locations a few times over the 
last hundred years, the Stewart family has held steadfast to the legacy 
and landmark principles of quality, integrity, and dignified 
professional services and community involvement.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to the Stewart family for 
their outstanding contributions to our community.

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