Obituary of Carolyn E. Stewart

On January 31, 1948, in Wilmington, DE, Virgil Lamont and Alma Cecelia Stewart welcomed their first child, Carolyn Elaine, into the world. She would be the first of two. Just two years later, Carolyn would become a doting older sister to her “Bay-Bro” Virgil Lamont, Jr.

Carolyn was enrolled in the Wilmington Public Schools, attending Bancroft and graduating from Wilmington High School in 1966. As a high school student, she excelled and was active in numerous clubs. One of them was the RHOer Club, where she and young ladies of high school age from across the city participated in activities intended to serve as “an effective means to encourage young ladies to realize high educational and career aspirations as well as to prime them to meet the challenges of womanhood.” After graduating from Wilmington High School, Carolyn attended Clinton Junior College (now Clinton College) in Rock Hill, South Carolina; established by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church during Reconstruction. At Clinton she pursued her interests in business and literature.

After returning from Clinton, Carolyn gave birth to her only child, a son, Taquan Seth. Honoring the true tradition of Africans in America, she honored the extended family, entrusting Taquan’s growth and development to her mother Alma, Aunt Sarah, brother Lamont, and cousins Robert and Audrey Cooper.

Carolyn worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield for 20 plus years, from which she retired. Later, she devoted time to serving The House of Wright Mortuary. There she received several awards for her dedicated service. However, her work as a child of God was most important.Carolyn was proud to be a part of the legacy of Scott A.M.E. Zion Church, which started with her mother and aunt at old Grace A.M.E. Zion Church. Following in their footsteps, she served in numerous capacities over the years; including the Senior Choir, Voices of Scott, Dining Room Coordinator, Christian Education Committee, Deaconess Board, Church Trustee, Financial Secretary, Preacher’s Steward, Church Secretary, Lay Representative, Executive Administrative Assistant, A.M.E. Zion Church Alternate Delegate, A.M.E. Zion Church Delegate and Quarterly Conference Secretary. Unbeknownst to most, Carolyn was blessed with a beautiful soprano singing voice. Carolyn knew very well that church extended well beyond Sunday morning. So, for years she lent her soprano to the Wilmington-Chester Mass Choir and the Robert Ladson Ensemble. In doing so, she would travel throughout the tri-state area participating in concerts with a wonderfully talented group of people. You can go to YouTube and find a version a “Softly and Tender” that still holds up.

Carolyn loved her son and grandchildren. Sherelished telling stories about the funny things they said and did. But, more importantly, she was proud of their academic achievements; Honor Roll, Principal’s Honor Roll, Superintendent’s Honor Roll, National Honor Society, Dean’s List, and numerous academic scholarships.

Carolyn’s parents Virgil Lamont, Sr. and Alma Cecelia, and her brother, Virgil Lamont, Jr., preceded her in death. She left to remember her love and legacy, her son Dr. Taquan S. Stewart (Maunda);one nephew Ahmad R. Stewart (Anna); one niece Nikki J. Samuels(Sloane); four grandchildren, Qiyam R., Nabil B., Faruq R., and Sakinah N.; two grand nieces, Nadia E. and Nyela A.; one grand nephew Mahkai Stewart. She is also loved and remembered by her extended family Rev. Dr. Gloria M. Snipes, Robert Ladson, Robert O. (Deborah) Wright I and sons Robert II and Justen, and a host of cousins.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” - Psalm 46:10

7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

- Psalm 37:7-8