Michael F. Steward

Michael Fernando Steward was born on March 22, 1965 in Belzoni, MS to Willie and Alyce Steward. He departed this life on Sunday, September 29, 2024 surrounded by his devoted wife and loving family.

Michael accepted Christ at an early age and remained faithful to the mission of Christ throughout his entire life. He joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Isaac Singleton, Sr., where he served faithfully on the Trustee and Deacon Ministries; he also served as a dedicated Sunday School Teacher and an Usher for many years.

Michael was a man who valued the importance of education. He was educated during his formative years in the Markham School District where his mother also served as a teacher. He went on to study at the University of Southern Mississippi graduating in 1986 with a degree in Criminal Justice. While at the University of Southern Mississippi, he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc, where he was active in various facets of the Fraternity. A passion and love of his that he carried and wore proudly throughout his entire life.

Michael was also the recipient of various awards such as: The “DeLaSalle Award” from Lewis University, and the “Gold Key Award” from the National Hook-Up of Black Women.

Michael exemplified what it meant to be a servant leader in every area of his life. He served in whatever capacity where he was needed, from being a campaign manager for Councilman Terry Morris, Sr., as well as Senator Pat McGuire in his run for Will County Treasurer. Michael also ran his own campaign and won, becoming a Park Board Commissioner. He was the first minority to be elected board president in the 81-year history for the Joliet Park District. After completing his first four-year term, the Park District voters reelected him to his second four-year term. Michael served on the Board of Directors for the Joliet Area Community Hospice and was President Elect in 2000. He also served on the Boards of Directors for St. Joseph Hospital.

Michael was employed by the State of Illinois in the Department of Human Resources where he served as a Bureau Chief. Also, he executed duties as an Associate Director and Superintendent for the Department of Juvenile Justice as well as an Investigator for the Department of Children and Family Services. He was a youth mentor at the Will County Health Department. Michael was employed as Executive Director at Hill Memorial Social Service, and he was employed at Sunny Hill Nursing Home. Michael also worked as an Adjunct Instructor for Joliet Junior College where he taught ESL Classes. He was Entrepreneur of Z-Odyssey Production, Inc, Documentary of “Voice Over.”

Michael was a volunteered coach for Graf Speed Enhancement, and he also served as a coach for the Joliet Spartans Pop Warner football program where he had the opportunity to coach and mold the lives of many young men, and his own beloved grandchildren.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Alyce Steward.

Michael is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sandra Steward; daughters, Lauryn Steward and Fontella Jones; sons, Lamaris George and Quincy Jones; brother, Willie Steward;  son/grandson, Marius Small; grandsons, Mikel Jones, Mikhi Jones, Mason Jones, Lamaris George Jr., Devonte Cole, Tyrone George, and Jeremy Krizmanic; granddaughters, Tanna Currie, Jolene Jones, and Justine Jones; mother-in-law, Zola (Clifford-deceased) Hamilton: aunts, Shirley Hennington and Sarah (Eisenhower) Holmes, Betty Nunaly, Rachael Williams, and Maratha Brown; uncle, Joseph Rush Sr.; sisters-in-law, Landra Phelps, Detra (Benny-deceased) Williams, Kimberly (Stephen) Veasy, Connie (Billie-deceased) Ellis and Tracy (Weems Jr.) McCullum; one godchild, Aubrey McCullum; cousin, Reginald  Steward; loving nieces and nephews and other relatives; his Mt. Zion Church Family and his Mt. Zion Care Team, Deacon and Deaconess, James and Virginia Robertson.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael F. Steward, please visit our floral store.