Willie L. Steward

Life and Legacy of Mr. Willie L. Steward…..

Willie L. Steward was born on February 14, 1946 the day synonymous with love Valentine’s Day in Sharon, Mississippi to the late Caleb Steward and Arlena Ware-Steward.

At a young age, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior.

In 1960 he migrated to Michigan City, Indiana to live with his favorite aunt Cassell Ware Kiner to experience what it was like to live North and explore various opportunities. He then moved to Chicago to live with favorite uncle Charlie Ware. After finding his bearings, he fell in love with the city. That’s when he decided that the North is where he wanted to make his home.  In 1968 he journeyed back to Mississippi to move the entire family to Michigan City so that they could experience a different way of life.

He attended Luther Bronson School in Mississippi. When he was young, he found joy in fishing, he also loved cooking, taking road trips with his wife, spending time and talking on the phone with his family and watching his favorite WWE wrestling. He was employed at Bethlehem Steel Mill in the security department for plant protection for 10 years. In 1979 he moved to Milwaukee Wisconsin where he wanted to be close to his siblings for many years creating countless memories. He was known for his story telling and his funny anecdotes that kept those around him drawn in and full of laughter. In 1990 Willie met the love of his life whom he affectionally called “his baby” Belinda Fly-Steward. He later moved back to Michigan City. They were united in holy matrimony on April 28, 2000 in Michigan City and the bond was unbroken until her passing on June 19, 2015.

On March 13, 2025, his life came full circle, and he transitioned from this earth at Life Care Center of Michigan City.

Willie leaves to cherish his fond memories; sons, Willie G. Garner and Tyrone Pitman both of Michigan City, IN; Special daughters, Thonia Culpepper and Belicia P. Hicks both of Michigan City and Sandra Brown of Canton, Mississippi; siblings Henrietta White, Betty Sims, Arleen (Shelley) Miller, Sr., Arlena (Dennis) Hart and Evelyn Washington all of Michigan City, IN and Callie Steward, Milwaukee, WI; Robert (Carmen) Steward, Pine Bluff, AR, LP (Lovie) Steward of Michigan City, IN; special nieces/daughters, Ernestine Brown and Cynthia Brown of Michigan City, Ieisha Steward, Cornisha Steward, Roberta Steward all of Milwaukee, WI; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.

He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Lue Doris Hull, Betty Smith and Jessie Edmond-George; three brothers, Leroy Steward, Johnny Steward and LB Steward; one niece and four nephews; three brothers-in-laws, Leon White, Eddie Hull. Sr. and Allen George.

Let the legacy of his love and laughter live on in our hearts forever because he will be truly missed.

A Celebration of life will be Friday, March 28, 2025 at Greater Powerhouse COGIC 428 N. Woodland Ave. Michigan City, Indiana 46360, 11am with Pastor Robert Johnson to be Eulogist. 

Viewing will be 10am until time of Service at the Church. Burial to follow at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens immediately following services. 

PLEASE UTILIZE THE TRIBUTE WALL ON HERE TO LEAVES CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, LIGHT A CANDLE OR SHARE MEMORIES.

2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confidant, I say, and willing rather "TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY IS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD". 

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