Loyd Stewart, twin of Floyd Stewart (preceded in death), was born to Mae Nell Jennings (Nicks) and Otto Stewart, on November 10, 1945 in Parkin, AR. He was raised in a Christian home with fifteen brothers and sisters.

Loyd Stewart was baptized at the age of 12. Loyd was especially close to his maternal grandparents Will and Alice Jennings who played an integral role in raising him. He always spoke highly of his childhood and growing up in the country. Loyd was the quiet small twin, while Floyd was the louder muscle of the duo. Loyd loved the fact that he was a part of such a large loving family. He loved it so much that his goal was to have as many children as his mother had.

After graduating high school, Loyd enlisted in the Unites States Army in July 1965. He was deployed for a tour in Vietnam from September 1965- September 1967. It has been discovered in recent years that he was a highly decorated soldier and was awarded several medals for his time in the service. Those medals were never received, and the family is still working on obtaining them. Those medals are:

GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL

NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL

VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL with 2 bronze service starts

OVER SEAS SERVICE RIBBON with numbers 2

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN RIBBON WITH DEVICE (1960)

MARKSMAN BADGE WITH RIFLE BAR

Upon his departure from the army, Loyd married his childhood sweetheart Rodella (preceded in death) on December 25, 1967. To this union ten children were born. Loyd relocated his wife and young children to Cleveland, Ohio in 1973. Setting a new trail hundreds of miles away from his family home, Loyd was determined to make a good life for his growing brood. He was a devoted husband and father with traditional values. Rodella nurtured the family and took care of the home, while Loyd was the sole provider. Loyd’s children cannot recall a time when he was not present in their lives. Through countless tragedies, Loyd remained steadfast to his commitment to his wife and children. The Stewart family home was always filled with children as both Loyd and Rodella loved and welcomed all the neighborhood kids into their home. They created a safe space where all were welcome for decades on end. The relationship he fostered with all his extended children garnered him the affectionate nickname of “Papa Stewart”.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Loyd. Whether it was playing his numbers, doing a puzzle, drinking coffee, traveling with his children, or watching game 7 of the 2016 Cavs Championship repeatedly! Although a quiet man of few words; you were guaranteed a smile and a “Sho Nuff” with every encounter!

He leaves to cherish his memories: six children: Loyd Jr; Leslie; Pam (Eric); Andra (Nicole) Natasha (Durnell); and Airen (Kerion). He was preceded in death by his wife Rodella and four children Shedrick, Shannon, Kimberly, and Chris. 16 grandchildren (Brandon, Shay (preceded in death), Torrez, Tezman, Tyzman, Charkara, Arion, Lakara, Anfernee, Shedrick, Loyd III, Makayla, Charles, Aiden, and Dominic; 19 great grandchildren. 12 siblings Charles (Rose) Johnson, Alfred (Tanya) Steward Earma Massey, John (Verlean) Nicks, Vivian Burroughs,

James (Jacquelyn) Nicks, Patricia (Bruce Sr) Brown, Don (Debbie) Nicks, Larry (Carolyn) Nicks, Alberta (Ronnie) Shelton, Toney (Gerri) Nicks, Treda Nicks. He also shared a close bond with his sister in love, Stella. Four siblings preceded him in death: twin brother Floyd Stewart, Rose Johnson, Apostle Margaret McGhee, and Cornelius Nicks. He leaves nieces, nephews and a host of family friends who are deeply saddened in the loss of their father figure and friend. Our hope is to one day see him again.