Ira Alvin Stewart

Ira was and always will be loved. His birth mother wanted the best for him and decided to let him have a family who would adopt him and love him well. And so, at about 9 months old in 1980, he took his first steps, and Ira Alvin Stewart became my brother. He walked into a new life. Willie and Ira Stewart adopted him and raised him to be strong. The family affectionately referred to him as Baby Brother or Little Brother. Our older brother Michael was beginning his life as a young adult and our family was now complete.

Ira would spend 4 years at Roosevelt High School and received his diploma from Arbor Acres Preparatory Academy. He would always read the Bible, encyclopedias, chemistry books just for fun. He would join a Spanish basketball league, and often operated as an enforcer.

In adulthood, Ira would enjoy grilling like his uncles did at every family gathering, and he became a pretty decent cook. Eating was by far the thing we enjoyed most together. Every good report card was rewarded with a dinner anywhere we could decide, and Mama made sure our palate was diverse. Spain only enhanced the bond that was fostered at the table. He would often spend late nights in conversation with his Godmother, Attorney Gwendolyn Hunt.

Ira and Willie Stewart preceded him in death. His Aunts: Mable Scott, Kathleen Wallace preceded him in death as well. He leaves to cherish his memory Michael and Lisa Stewart and Mistye and Michael Ruffin, as well as nieces and nephews Malori and Sean Stewart, Deionte, Milaya, Javon, Kalea, Zathan, Gabriel, and Neriah Ruffin. His Uncles, R.B. Smith, Lorenza and Dr. Alvin Chester, as well as Roy Stewart. Left to remember his life are Robert (Annie) Stewart, Freddie Ross, and Lillie Thompson, Arthur (Ovie) Chester, Ben (Cheryl) Chester, Melvin (Joann) Chester, Willie Chester, Lawrence (Patricia) Chester, Laura (Michael) Turner, Peggy (Loren) Cooks, Effie and Johnnie Chester.

There are many family members that have both preceded him in leaving this Earth and who will remember him in his transition.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Stewart family.