[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 201 (Wednesday, December 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1180-E1181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF CLAUDE AUNDRAY STEWARD, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TROY A. CARTER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2023

  Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a 
native of my Congressional District, often referred to as a mastermind 
of all things New Orleans, Mr Claude Aundray Steward, Sr.
  Claude Aundray Steward was born to Freddie Stewart and Elfreda Arnold 
Steward on a beautiful Wednesday, February 12, 1941. He took pride in 
being a son of Uptown New Orleans and was able to receive his education 
in his hometown. Claude graduated from the historic Walter L. Cohen 
High School in 1959 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in 
Business Administration from Southern University. He then went on to 
serve in the United States Army until he was honorably discharged. 
Claude was a Life Member of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure club, 
which is known for its famous Mardi Gras parade, as well as for its 
members' commitment to giving back to the Greater New Orleans community 
and positively impacting the lives of those in need.
  Mr. Stewart began his career in government at the United States Post 
Office, eventually transitioning into a variety of different positions 
in the field. In the evenings he would spend his time immersed in 
politics, and through God's favor, he became a political mastermind. 
Claude spent time working as an Accounting Analyst for the City of New 
Orleans's HUD Program at the New Orleans City Hall under the auspices 
of Mayor Moon Landrieu, Mayor Ernest ``Dutch'' Morial, Mayor Sidney 
Barthelemy, and Mayor Marc Morial. After his illustrious career at City 
Hall, Mr. Stewart took on the position of Administrator for the Small 
Business Incubator at Southern University at New Orleans, where he 
worked until Hurricane Katrina ravaged the region.
  The period after Hurricane Katrina was a trying time, but Mr. Stewart 
remained optimistic, rebuilt his home, and was eventually able to 
return to his hometown which he loved so dearly: New Orleans, 
Louisiana. Claude continued working in government, as he accepted a 
senior position with the then Orleans Parish Clerk of Court, Kimberly 
Williamson Butler.
  After so many years working for the government, no one would have 
expected Mr. Stewart to change careers. However, God said, ``I have a 
wonderful new chapter for you.'' Claude retired from a nearly 50-year 
successful career in politics, and took on what was supposed to be a 
``temporary'', six month position as Director at the New Orleans 
Council on Aging Lower 9th Ward Senior Center. He had been appointed by 
Senator Jon Johnson ``just to get the program off its feet'', however 
six months at the Lower 9th ward Senior Center quickly became eleven 
years. Under his guidance, the center won several awards, and was 
celebrated in the city of New Orleans as the best Senior Center, with 
record-breaking attendance. Change-makers from all across the state 
visited his center participants in order to present their legislative 
plans. Among these were his favorite visitors--his ``adopted son,'' 
Senator Wesley Bishop, and his ``adopted nephew,'' (then State Senator) 
Congressman Troy Carter.
  On Monday, June 26, 2023, Claude Aundray Steward, Sr. was surrounded 
by his family as he peacefully transitioned from this Earthly life. He 
left a host of treasured family to mourn: his wife of 57 years, Elaine 
Warrick Steward; his sons, Claude Jr. and Clinton Sr.; his two 
daughters-in-law, Ora and Kayron, his five beloved grandchildren, 
Clinton Jr., Ciara, Braelynn, Katherine and Chennai, as well as Coda, 
his soon-to-be-born sixth grandchild; his dearest cousins Darrel Ann 
Stewart, Gerbera Smith, and Rufus Arnold; and his dear godchildren, 
Tiffany Howard Finister, Winfred Warrick, and Shonna Smith.
  Mr. Steward was preceded in death by his parents, Freddie and Elfreda 
Stewart; his great-grandmother, Harriet Jones; his dear grandmothers, 
Victoria Variste and Clara Houston Arnold; his siblings, Freddie 
Steward, Harold Steward; and Caroline Steward, and

[[Page E1181]]

his in-laws, Alberta Baxter, David and Ruby Brown, Arthur and Ida 
Farria, and Jerald and Martha Warrick.
  Claude was a member of True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, where he 
was baptized in 1990 by Rev. Donald Jeanjacques, and where he held 
various leadership positions. Claude was also a recent recipient of 
various awards throughout his professional career, including 
Congressman Troy Carter's Lifetime Achievement Award. Claude will be 
deeply missed by his co-workers, friends, and family. He has touched 
many lives, both near and far.
  The Greater New Orleans Community has suffered the loss of a great 
gem. I credit much of my political successes to his guidance and 
support. I will forever carry his direction as I serve the constituents 
of LA02. May he forever rest in peace.

                          ____________________