Annie L. Steward

Annie Lowell Steward, lovingly known as Ann by many and Lois by others, was born on July 7, 1933, in Mississippi to George and Annie Bender. She was one of fourteen children in a large and loving family.

After spending her early years living and working in both Mississippi and Detroit, Michigan, Annie eventually made her home in Los Angeles, California. There, she received her education through the Los Angeles Unified School District and graduated from Fremont High School. During this time, she met the love of her life, Melvin Steward, and the two were united in marriage on October 14, 1956.

Together, Annie and Melvin raised a beautiful family of ten children: Linda, Debra, Melba, Gerald, Jerome, Melvin Jr., Michael, Sonya, Fredell, and Crescencia.

Annie was no stranger to hard work. Over the course of her 92 years, she held numerous roles with great dedication and care. Most notably, she was the proud owner and operator of her own preschool, where she nurtured young minds while sharing the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. In addition, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), providing compassionate care both in hospitals and through in-home services. She was also employed by Libbey Glass and General Dynamics and was a skilled seamstress, known for her creativity and craftsmanship.

Annie dedicated her life to Christ from an early age. She and her husband raised their children in a strong Christian home and served faithfully in ministry. Their spiritual journey was deeply rooted at Good News Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Allen Rucker Sr. Annie became a licensed evangelist and served as the District Sunshine Band Leader, mentoring and inspiring young people throughout her years of service.

In 1965, the Steward family relocated to Pomona, California. Not long after, Annie and her husband answered the call to ministry and founded Deliverance Church of God in Christ. They later joined Mt. Sinai COGIC under the leadership of the late Elder Pleas Thomas, and eventually became members of New Gethsemane COGIC, where Annie faithfully supported her husband as he served as Assistant Pastor under Bishop Raymond Watts. She later attended Life COGIC and in her latter years enjoyed fellowshipping at Centerpoint church and faithfully contributed to Rick Renner Ministries as well as Mercy Ships, a charity that supports children in communities with little to no access to healthcare.

Throughout her life, Annie remained devoted to her faith and to serving others. She had a special heart for young people and went above and beyond to make a difference in their lives. Whether organizing weddings, coordinating fashion shows, offering financial help, or simply lending a listening ear, Annie’s life was marked by generosity and compassion. Her home in Pomona was a refuge for many, especially teens in need of a warm meal or a safe place to sleep.

Annie enjoyed traveling, shopping, reading her Bible, and staying connected with family and friends. She loved indulging in sweet treats, two of her favorite were chocolate cake and sweet potato pie. Ann never met a stranger, and those who knew her were often blessed by her stories and reflections on the many blessings in her life. She especially loved to speak proudly of her children and grandchildren, and she never missed an opportunity to say, “I love you.”

Annie leaves to cherish her memory her children: Linda Bender-Williams, Melba Steward, Gerald Steward (Rebecca), Jerome Steward (Betty), Michael Steward, Sonya Steward, Crescencia Brown, Fredell Gooch, and daughter in love, Sandy Steward; 28 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Mattie Jay and Edna Mae Nelson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Annie Bender; her beloved husband, Melvin Steward; her children, Debra Francine Artry and Melvin Steward Jr.; and her siblings Vera, Clemie, Maud, Frenzie, Georgia, Luella, Lela, Charles, James, and Jessie.

One of Annie’s favorite sayings was: “The favor of God is better than money in the bank.” Her life was a testimony to that truth—a legacy of love, faith, and unwavering service.