LOFTON EARL STEWART was born August 10, 1943, the seventh of
twelve children, to Columbus Stewart and Alberta Chavis Stewart. He
was a strong-willed man of good character who left a strong legacy. He
fought hard as he stayed the course God laid out for him, having
transitioned this earthly life - as we know it - on Wednesday, September
14, 2022.
Brother Stewart accepted Christ as his Savior at a very early age, as he
accompanied his parents to New Bethel AMEZ Church. He was later
baptized as an adult in Newburgh, NY at Mt. Carmel Church of Christ,
Disciples of Christ under Elder George Johnson. Upon settling in North
Carolina, he became one of the charter members of New Life Bible
Church. He is a still a member in good standing at New Life, where he
has served in many capacities - gaining respect as a very capable leader.
After having graduated from Anne Chestnut High School in 1961, he
entered the USAF. Lofton successfully earned his Bachelor of Science
Degree at New York University in 1973. During his military stint, which
included a tour in Vietnam, he was stationed in Newburgh, NY where he
met and married his wife of 54 years, J. DeLois Stewart on July 27, 1968.
To this union was born his third daughter, Dana. Also grieving the loss of
their father are Sylinthia Burges of Fayetteville, NC and Sonja Covington
of Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Stewart was predeceased by this parents, Columbus and Alberta; five
brothers: Lorenzo, Leland, Leon, Lonnie and Lewis; and one sister:
Camille Moore. Left to mourn are one brother: Lynwood of Philadelphia,
PA; four sisters: Montez (Milton) Buxton of Newburgh, NY, Patricia
(William) Travis of Missouri City, TX, Cynthia Johnson of New York
City, NY and Julia Townsend of Selma, NC. In addition, he is survived
by two sisters-in-law: Gloria Fryar of Newburgh, NY and Daphne (Isaac)
Faison of Fayetteville, NC, as well as a brother-in-law: Robert (Monica)
Herring of Rolesville, NC. God has richly blessed Lofton to also have six
grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a plethora of nephews, nieces,
cousins and friends.
