THOMAS JEFFERSON STEWART (TJ) was born December 25, 1920 in DeKalb County, Alabama to Willie Stewart and Bertha Malone. Being a Christmas baby set the tone for the Joyful spirit that marked his long life. Moving to Collinsville, Alabama the family grew to six children. Out of high school TJ enlisted in the Army and trained at Fort McClellan, Alabama. His discharge papers list his military occupation as Medical Laboratory Supervisor of an all Black unit (medics). Deployed to Northern France and the Rhineland, he was Honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant, earning1 service stripe, 4 overseas service bars and Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 2 bronze battle stars in 1945.
Meeting and marrying Mable Rawls in Chattanooga, Tennessee produced a son Thomas (Ronnie) Stewart. The family were members of Warren Methodist Church in Chattanooga. TJ was employed at the Dupont plant for years until, seeking better opportunities for his family, moved to San Jose, California in 1962 joining his brothers William and Paul. He began his nearly 30 year career as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service and belonged to the National Association of Letter Carriers Union #193. A daughter was added to the family when Lisa J Stewart was born. She could always make TJ smile and laugh as could his granddaughters Shannon and Torri. Now a family of four TJ moved them to their first and only home on Tokay Way, always a welcoming place for family and friends.
After retiring from the Post Office TJ found great joy watching his grandson and great grandchildren play sports and delighting in his beautiful daughter and granddaughter’s success and happiness. He also found great purpose as a crossing guard for the Mount Pleasant School District for 13 years. He enjoyed and loved protecting the school children. He was their Guardian Angel. His legacy includes son Thomas, daughter Lisa, grandchildren Colin(Sara), Shannon(Keith), Torri (Jeremy) great grandchildren Kaylin, Sydney, Jackson, Jaiden and Jordan, Eleanor Stewart (sister-in-law). He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Other family members offering wisdom, humor and perspective: Donald Holbrook (cousin), Chris Stewart (Nephew),Keith Glasper(Shannon) and Yvonne Breaux Stewart (Ronnie). He was from a family of six children. All preceded him in death.
Thomas, TJ, Papa, Tom, Stew
May you rest in peace. We will love you always and forever
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