Mr. Stanley James Stewart

Stanley's Journey: Stanley James Stewart was born on November 20, 1928 in Dequincy, Louisiana to Bluma Irene Birks, and Stanley James Stewart Sr. Stanley was the second oldest of five children. Since there were no schools for black children in Dequincy, he and his two eldest sisters lived with aunts who were school teachers in Port Allen, and New Orleans, Louisiana, Houston and Waco, Texas. From third grade until high school graduation, Stanley attended A. J. Moore High School in Waco where a legacy of strong black teachers provided a supportive family environment for black children from all over the segregated south. This nurturing atmosphere would greatly influence Stanley's career choice as well as his sisters. The sacrifices that Stanley Sr. and Bluma made for their children paid off. Stanley began his college career at Howard University then later became a Jaguar, graduating from Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He joined the Alpha Phi Alpha organization and made lifelong friendships. After graduating from SU, Stanley joined the U.S. Air Force. Upon enlistment, he completed his basic training at Frances E. Warren Air Force Base at Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was then trained at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas as a Communication Technician. Afterwards, Stanley was stationed at Selfridge AFB near Mount Clemens, Michigan and was later assigned to Willow Run Airport Radar site near Ypsilanti, Michigan. One faithful day, Stanley went to a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority dance where he met the love of his life on the Eastern Michigan University campus. Juanita Linda Burke was a student at EMU. Suddenly, Juanita noticed this man's glance while at the dance. Stan and Juanita were joined in holy matrimony a year later. Stanley and Juanita were married 65 glorious years. To this union three children were born, Stan Jr., Glenn and Gina. After marrying, Stanley and Juanita lived in Rapid City, South Dakota where Stanley was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. After being honorably discharged, Stanley moved his family to Detroit, where he was hired as a teacher at Detroit Public Schools in 1955. With the added responsibility of wife and children, Stanley decided to return to college at Wayne State University where he completed his Masters of Education, and Educational Specialist degrees plus 60 credits. Stanley was then promoted from teacher to high school counselor and later to principal. Stanley served the Detroit Public Schools for 40 years until his retirement in June 1995. Stanley was an ardent golfer, traveler and sports fan. He golfed in most of the United States and in the Caribbean, Acapulco and Hawaii. Stanley was above all a family man, a gentleman of hospitality, humorous and adventurous. He was known as "Stan the Man" to his friends and family because of his quick wit, and his funny way of telling you the truth to encourage you to open your eyes! Stanley was a Snowbird for 20 years between Detroit and Titusville, Florida. His golfing buddies from Detroit soon moved to Titusville too. Old friends gathered new friends and created a new family in Titusville where great fun was enjoyed by all. Stanley loved the Lord Jesus Christ, serving faithfully as chairman of the Administrative Council, Finance Chairman and Stewardship Committee member at Second Grace United Methodist Church for many years. He cherished his friendships at the church. Stanley departed this life on Friday, May 11, 2018.

Mr. Stanley James Stewart

November 20, 1928 - May 11, 2018