Deacon George Nathaniel Stewart

Deacon Emeritus George Nathaniel Stewart, a devoted servant of God, family, and community, was born on August 13, 1933, to the late Samuel A. Stewart and Ethel Hines Stewart. He was the second oldest of their children and was raised with strong values that would guide his remarkable life of service and leadership. 

George received his early education through Woodsville Community Schools, where he excelled academically and distinguished himself as a Boy Scout. In 1949, he was honored as the first Mr. Woodsville, a testament to his character and leadership even at a young age. 

At the age of 17, George married the love of his youth life, the late Mable Lotson Stewart in 1950. In 1955, they became among the first residents of Carver Village (now Carver Heights) in Savannah, Georgia. Together, they built a loving home and raised six children. Following retirement, the couple operated a daycare for over a decade, mentoring and nurturing countless children in their community. 

At an early age, George began his Christian journey at First African Baptist Church, where he was baptized by the late Reverend Dr. Ralph Mark Gilbert. His faith took deep root and became the foundation for a lifetime of devoted service to God and ministry. By the age of 12, he was already sharing his faith by teaching his first Sunday School lesson.  Over the years, George remained steadfast in his commitment to the church, and more than 50 years later, he faithfully served as Sunday School Superintendent at the Royal Church of Christ. He also served as a dedicated deacon and was later honored with the distinguished title of Deacon Emeritus. His love for worship extended through music, as he was a member of the Gates of Harmony Quartet in the 1950s and later served as both a vocalist and saxophonist in the church choir. 

George’s strong work ethic was demonstrated through a diverse and accomplished career. He worked as a KILN and boiler repairman at Union Bag and Paper Company (now Union Camp), a bricklayer with Bricklayers Union #1, and a merchant seaman with the National Maritime Union for nearly 10 years. He also served as a longshoreman with the International Longshoremen’s Association for nearly 20 years. During this time, he played a key role in establishing the first credit union for I.L.A. members, growing its assets from less than $1,000 to over $1.5 million while serving as acting secretary for Local 1414 and chairman of the credit union subcommittee. George also served as the recording secretary for the Savannah Chapter of the International Longshoremen's Association.

George’s dedication to community service was unwavering. He helped establish the first Meals on Wheels program in the Carver Village community, personally delivering meals for more than 10 years. As a member, committee chairman, and vice president of the Carver Village Community Association, he worked tirelessly to help secure federal recognition of Carver Village as the largest post-World War II individually owned Black housing development in the United States. 

Committed to lifelong learning, George furthered his education through Beach High School’s adult education program in brick masonry. He later studied photography at the North Georgia Institute and film restoration at North Carolina State University. 
On May 23, 2022, George N. Stewart was formally recognized and commended for his outstanding public service, leadership, and humanitarian contributions to the City of Savannah, Georgia through the Juneteenth Organization. 
On September 19, 2020, George was united in marriage to Mary Deloris Stewart, who remained by his side with love and devotion. 

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mable Lotson Stewart; his parents Sam and Ethel Stewart Sr.; siblings Peter Stewart, Alphonzo D. Stewart, Samuel Stewart Jr., and Carolyn Stewart; and a granddaughter, Ashley Lightfoot 
He leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving and devoted wife, Mary Deloris Stewart; daughters Cynthia D. Stewart of Savannah, GA; Monica E.S. (John Henry) Brown of Savannah, GA;  Mavis T. Stewart of Atlanta, GA; Ebony (Lamar) Earley of Atlanta, GA; and Alexis Stewart of Augusta, GA; a bonus daughter, Donna Lipsey (Randall Sr.) Green of Savannah, GA; sons Gregory (Gloria) Stewart of Atlanta, GA; George P. (Linda) Stewart of Atlanta, GA; and Timothy Stewart of Atlanta, GA.He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Torinao Doyle; Selina (Joe) Archie of Tampa, FL; Monee (Nicholas) Davis of Statesboro, GA; Gillette Curry (Garriett) of Warner Robins, GA; Jaylyn Stewart of Houston, TX, Destinee and Faith Stewart of Savannah, GA; Nicholas (Valerie) Lipsey, Matthew Swanson, and Randall (China) Green Jr. of Savannah, GA; along with seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.   He also leaves behind siblings Rose Monroe-Trice of Savannah, GA; James H. Stewart of Atlanta, GA and Jimmy Oliver of Savannah, GA; in-laws Alphonso L. Lotson, Eleanor Canty, Michael (Angela) Lotson, Vernon Lotson, Grace Stewart, and  Gwendolyn Reed; and a devoted godchild, Maggielina Samuels-Harper, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 

Deacon George Nathaniel Stewart lived a purpose-driven life marked by faith, humility, and unwavering dedication to others. His legacy of love, leadership, and service will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Join us as we celebrate his remarkable life:
 Celebration of Life Saturday, April 4, 2026. at  11:00 AM
 The Historic First African Baptist Church , Savannah, Georgia

Let us keep his family in our prayers and come together in love to honor a life well lived.

“Servant of God, well done.” 

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