[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 17, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1162-E1163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING LILLIAN STEWART

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2019

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Ms. Lillian Stewart and to extend my deepest condolences 
to her family upon her passing at the blessed age of 95. Ms. Stewart 
was a devoted mother, grandmother, and community activist. I am also 
privileged to have been able to call Ms. Stewart my friend.
  Born in Mecklenberg County, North Carolina, in 1923, Ms. Stewart was 
born the middle of five children. She spent her formative years in 
Washington, D.C., where she attended Garnet-Patterson Junior High 
School and Cardoza High School.
  After graduating from high school, Ms. Stewart went on to continue 
her education, completing a postgraduate course in Cosmetology at 
Madame CJ Walker's College of Beauty Culture; a foreign language course 
at the University of the District of Columbia; and medical secretary 
training by the District of Columbia Medical Society; and earning a 
Montgomery Ward Consumer Education ``Art of Interior Decorating Home 
Fashion Forum'' certificate.
  Ms. Stewart spent much of her professional career at Howard 
University Hospital, where she served in several support and junior 
management positions. She retired from the hospital as Hospital 
Utilization Review Coordinator. Upon retirement, Ms. Stewart dedicated 
her time to a range of community activities and small business 
ventures. She was active in the AARP Shepherd Park Chapter No. 2667, 
chair of the Southwest Advisory Council-Southwest Health Clinic and was 
a D.C. Public Notary. Ms. Stewart was also an outspoken activist. She 
actively protested the planned closure of DC General Hospital, located 
in a predominately African American neighborhood, in 2001.
  As a mother, Ms. Stewart encouraged a pursuit of education in her 
children. She was

[[Page E1163]]

privileged to live to witness her three children's professional 
accomplishments in communications, medicine, and photography. She also 
leaves behind six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
  On a personal note, I had the honor of spending private time with Ms. 
Stewart thanks to her loving son Dwight who has been a dear friend for 
decades. I loved being with her. She brought me joy and made me laugh. 
Her colorful descriptions and deep insights were remarkable. I attended 
mass with her on several occasions and she demonstrated in words and 
deeds her belief in God, who she knew was all merciful and loving. I 
will deeply miss Ms. Stewart, but her indomitable spirit will endure 
forever.
  Today, I join Ms. Stewart's family in celebrating her life and 
enduring legacy. May she rest in power and in peace.

                          ____________________