Carl Stewart

Carl Stewart, a unique man, and the epitome of love and friendship was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 20,1962, to Joseph Olidge, Sr., and Flavia Stewart. On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, surrounded by his loving wife, family members and friends, Carl heard the voice of Jesus say, “come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. Carl, as a child, was thoughtful, caring, and a natural fit everywhere, and with everyone. His esteem and love for his siblings and his entire family was unmatched. He loved giving and sharing his blessings especially when visiting their elderly family members. Whatever he thought you needed, he was going to make sure you got it. Carl was educated in Orleans Parish Public School System. He attended F. P. Richard Elementary, Carter G. Woodson Junior High and John McDonogh High School where he played and learned the love of football. He was a proud John McDonogh High Trojan and graduate of the class of 1982. He was active in the alumni activities and events, and he loved seeing his JMD family. After his high school graduation, he was employed at Ernest Morial Convention Center where he began working at the Mississippi Queen Steamboat. He later went on to work for Master Video Poker until Hurricane Katrina displaced his family to Houston, Texas. In 1980, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at the Third Rose of Sharon Baptist Church by the late Reverend Joseph Jackson. Carl met the love of his life, Yolanda Robertson at John McDonogh. On November 5, 1988, the high school sweethearts were united in Holy Matrimony at St. Maria Goretti Church. The two were inseparable from the beginning; when you saw one, you would see the other. They were a loving powerful couple who enjoyed spending quality time together traveling, hosting events at their home and their business. Carl’s love and honor for his high school sweetheart and faithful wife for 34 years ago was a true testament to his loyalty and dedication. Carl was proud to call New Orleans his hometown and he enjoyed the great food, the culture, the entertainment, and the city’s sporting events. He would pull up a seat to watch any kind of sports. His passion was attending or watching any sport anywhere. His greater passion was wearing his Black & Gold representing the New Orleans Saints. He traveled around the world for many years to support his team and witness away games. He was a dedicated member of the “Uptown Tailgaters”. Carl was a Saints Season Ticket Holder for over 30 years and rarely missed a game. Carl had a strong sense of style, dapper and was impeccably dressed, always donning a fedora hat cocked to the side…never forgetting his jewelry for final accompaniment to his suits all to ensure he was camera ready. Carl inherited a love of music from his grandfather, “Wash” a local drummer, and his desire was to be a part of New Orleans Culture Barriers and become a part of a social club with a jazz band which was in his blood. His dream was realized when the opportunity came to join the Young Men Olympian Benevolent Association in 2006 under Alfred “Bucket” Carter. Carl affectionately known as “Mr. C.” was a dedicated Nawlins’ solider member who loved his YMO brothers and looked forward to participating in their numerous events throughout the city of New Orleans. He was an active member of the 4th Division - The Untouchables - and this past September he certainly enjoyed this year’s anniversary parade. Carl had many other interests such as cooking, dancing, and attending live concerts. He loved travelling with his travel group “The 504 Travel Krewe” and being a member of the “Robertson’s Vieux Carre’ Birthday Club”. Carl leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Yolanda Robertson-Stewart; four brothers, Hugh Ralph Stewart, Wernell Stewart (Linda), Joseph Olidge, Jr. (Trina) of Atlanta, GA, and Drexell Carter; four sisters, Darilyn T. Olidge Esq., (Mechelle), Deneen T. Olidge-Walker (Aaron), Kara T. Olidge Ph. D. and Belva Carter; two dearest sisters, Annette Stewart, and Delonder J. (Rod). His mother-in-law Geraldine I. Robertson, two lovely goddaughters; Lisa Cavalier (Johnathan) and Astra Watts; one brother-in-law, Douglas “Chucky” Robertson, Jr. (Toya); his maternal aunt and uncle who helped rear him, Belva, and Joseph Johnson; aunts, Shirley Smith, Gloria Hall, Katie “Betty” Kirklin, Sylvia Smith (Herman), Beverly Elloie, Leta Atkins, Yvonne Bethely; uncles, Theodore Robinson (Maple), Johnnie Robinson (Cummie), Michael Bethely, and Keith Bethely, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his new fur baby; Dooney. A devoted cousin Athanas “Ironman” Johnson and Carlene Williams who was like his sister. Because of his big heart, many others were also embraced as extended family members. Relatives and friends of the family, Third Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, First Mount Calvary Baptist Church, New Home Ministries, St. Maria Goretti Church, My Redeemer Missionary Baptist Church, U. S. Postal Service, Blue Cliff College, Tulane University Medical Center, Morris Bart Law Group, Robertson’s Vieux Carre’ Lounge, Seal’s Class Act, Glady’s Bar, Bertha’s Bar, Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Uptown Tailgator’s, Vieux Carre’ Birthday Club, The Young Men of Olympians and all other Second Line Organizations, are invited to the Funeral Service on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at New Home Family Worship Center, 1616 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130, at 11:00am. Visitation will begin at 9:00am followed by a traditional jazz procession. Interment will be at Providence Memorial Park & Mausoleum, 8200 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA. Arrangements entrusted to D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.