Also known as "Voice of Thunder" for his style of preaching, Bishop Selester Stewart, Sr. 58, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at his home. Bishop Stewart was born January 9, 1953 in Winston-Salem, NC. He attended Carver High School and Forsyth Technical College with a specialty in HVAC and plumbing. A self-employed entrepreneur, he owned and operated S&S Contracting Services, served as supervisor for various apartment complexes, and worked for R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
He was a life-long member of The Macedonia Worship Center where he served on numerous ministries: Young Adult Choir, Music and Arts Ministry, Sunday School Board, Male Chorus, Episcopal/Overseer Council, and served as Pastor in charge of the Men's Ministry. He also held various positions such as, Deacon, Elder, and Bishop. As a member of the choir you could often hear him singing his favorite song, "Jesus is the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me." On August 23, just hours before his call to glory, a 5.9 earthquake tremor was felt throughout Winston-Salem as a prelude to the exit of this great "Voice of Thunder." Always smiling, full of life and vivaciousness, Bishop Stewart's presence filled the atmosphere of any space he occupied.
Bishop Stewart was preceded in death by his parents, Lueiza McCall Stewart and Neil Parnell; two sisters, Emma Stewart Simmons and Shirley Stewart Smith; two brothers, Rayford and Aldeen Stewart; and his wife, Sandra Fraiser Stewart.
He leaves to cherish fond and loving memories three sons, Selester Stewart, Jr. (Freda) of Advance, NC, Roberto Clemente Williamson of Winston-Salem, NC and Carlester Massey of Charlotte, NC; four daughters, Selena Stewart of the home, Christian "Kristy" Stewart, Tamonica Wright, and Monica Frasier of Winston-Salem; a very special and dedicated daughter-in-law, Freda Stewart; one grandson, Selester Stewart, III; one sister, Dr. Arlene Stewart Chavis of Durham, NC; two brothers, Yancey Stewart and Neil Stewart of Winston-Salem, NC; a very special aunt who served as his mother, Essie Mae Jackson; distinguished clergy and cousin, Apostle S. D. Johnson; former wife and friend, Ruth Roberts; and a host of nephews, nieces and other family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, August 27, 2011 at the Macedonia Worship Center with Apostle S.D. Johnson officiating and Reverend Selester Stewart, Jr. eulogist. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.