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Our History

History

Stewart Funeral Home has been serving District of Columbia area families for over 120 years.  The caring and experienced professionals at Stewart Funeral Home are here to support you through this difficult time.  We offer a range of personalized services to suit your family’s wishes and requirements.  You can count on us to help you plan a personal, lasting tribute to your loved one.  And we’ll carefully guide you through the many decisions that must be made during this challenging time.

 

We are honored to be a part of the rich history of this community and plan to be a part of it for many years to come.

John T. Stewart, Sr.
Founder

The Tradition of Stewartship: 100 Years

The year was 1900. Out of the small community of Seat Pleasant, Maryland, located along the rural cusp of Washington, D.C., John Thomas Stewart, a young African American, traveled along dirt country roads and trolley tracks the short distance to the city, holding tight to a big dream. He had great determination to serve his community and to provide funeral services of class and dignity for the people of his environs. He borrowed money from his brother to purchase a casket and gravesite, then walked to a Northeast Washington home to arrange the burial of a child.

John T. Stewart, Sr. founded the Stewart Funeral Home at 62 H Street, Northwest, marking the beginning of a rich heritage and tradition of unique professional and community service to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area that is referred to by the family as "The Tradition of Stewartship".

30 H Steet N.E.

John T. Stewart, Sr. later moved the business to 30 H Street, N.E. to meet the needs of rapid growth. He and his family expanded the business to encompass 32 H Street, N.E. During this first half-century and afterward, the elder John Stewart became well-known through the local community for his Christian charity, kindness, and benevolence -- virtues providing a solid foundation upon which his family and business were to grow.

Margaret B. Stewart & John T. Stewart, Jr.

John T. Stewart, Jr., under the tutelage of his father, was indoctrinated with the proud Tradition of Stewartship and continued his father's legacy. He and his wife Margaret Stewart, who gave up her career as a teacher in Prince George's County, continued the tradition of sympathy and service to the community, serving in both leadership and advisory roles in numerous civic, religious and public service organizations.

Carlin Sr., Carlin Jr.,Margaret, John III, & Stacye

In 1964, with continued growth of the business and inherited dedication to providing top quality care and sympathy, John T. Stewart, Jr. built a first rate facility at 4001 Benning Road, N.E., which today stands as a landmark institution in Washington, D.C. This new and modern facility was built by John T. Stewart, Jr. as a memorial to his father, the founder of Stewart Funeral Home. And like his father, John T. Stewart, Jr. provided tutelage of his sons in funeral service and the importance of community responsibility.

The Stewart Family Today

In 2000, Margaret Stewart and sons John T. Stewart, III and Carlin O. Stewart, Sr., along with grandchildren Carlin, Jr. and Stacye, who represents the fourth generation, vigilantly continue the Tradition of Stewartship. Stacye and Carlin, Jr. are under the personal and professional tutelage of their fathers. With every move from the turn of the 19th century to the turn of the 20th century, the Stewart family has held steadfast to the legacy and landmark principles of quality, integrity and dignified professional services and community involvement.

Stewart Funeral Home
Phone: (202) 399-3600
4001 Benning Road N.E., Washington, DC 20019

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