Sandra Brown Stewart

SANDRA “SANDY” BROWN STEWART, political activist and entrepreneur transitioned on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the age of 84, surrounded by her loving family. Sandy, the eldest of 11, was born to Lula Mae and Samuel L. Brown in Buffalo, NY. The family moved to Sutherland, VA where she graduated from Southside High School in 1955. She married her former spouse, John C. Stewart in 1955 and from that union there were 4 children: Gwendolyn E. Stewart-Williamson (MD), Dawn K. Stewart (CA), Maj. Gen. Alfred J. Stewart (deceased) and Tracy D. Stewart (MD). Sandy leaves to mourn 10 grandchildren: Brandon Stewart, Jason Smith, George Smith, Adrien Sheppard, Kalota Stewart-Gurley, Brian Stewart, John Stewart, Troy Stewart, Joshua Lawton and Matthew Lawton; 12 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; 4 siblings: William Brown (VA), Annette Brown (FL), Michael (Myrna) Brown (NY) and Christopher Brown (NY) and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members. Special mention must be given to her sisters by other misters: LaNae Caldwell, Jean King, Vanessa Jackson, Cynthia Newbille and Pamela Freeman. Sandy was extremely intelligent and maintained a thirst for knowledge her entire life. She was ambitious, outspoken and a non-conformist. As a parent, mediocrity was never tolerated, and excellence was demanded (ask any of her children!). A promotion offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) led to relocation from Virginia to Baltimore in 1969. Ultimately, she retired from SSA and she and her best friend, Sondra Banfield, established a successful consulting firm, Leaders International. Through her involvement with Blacks in Government, the Rainbow Coalition and her election as a 1984 Democratic National Convention delegate, Sandy decided to run for Congress in 1986. The campaign was not successful, but monumental. Her involvement in politics and activism were a central focus throughout her life. In addition, Sandy received certification in Management from the University of Baltimore, served on the Board of Directors of P.A.C.T., Sr. Admin. Asst, to Chairman/Assoc. Dean for Internal Medicine at Ohio State University, cohosted Sister Circle radio show on WEAA with Nalungo Sayyed, listed in 1991-92 Who’s Who in the East publication, 1993-94 Who’s Who in the World, appointed to the Off-Street Parking Commission by Mayor William Donald Schaefer, and many more affiliations and accomplishments too numerous to name. She was also a philanthropist to numerous organizations. In honor of her love and dedication for her “Honey Bunny”, great granddaughter, Brianna Stewart, Sandy requested donations be made to PACT: Helping Children with Special Needs (443-923- 7300), (https://www.kennedykrieger.org/community/initiatives/pact/ lending-your-support).

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Sandra Brown Stewart

May 15, 1938 - February 11, 2023