LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating William James Steward of Brooklyn,
New York, upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate William
James Steward upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday with a
party to be held in his honor at Bridge Street African Wesleyan Metho-
dist Episcopal Church (A.W.M.E.), of Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday,
November 7, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Born in Georgetown, South Carolina, William James Steward
migrated to Brooklyn in 1929; a year later, he joined The African
Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church located at 309 Bridge Street in
downtown Brooklyn, also known as Bridge Street African Wesleyan Metho-
dist Episcopal Church where members of this congregation are warmly
regarded as 309'ers; and
WHEREAS, William James Steward faithfully served his church as an
usher for over 67 years; he is also a member of the Bridge Street Relief
Society as well as the Arthur L. Funn Lay Organization; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated member of his community, William James Steward
was a proud founding member of both the Georgetonians of New York, Inc.
and the Surface Line Operators Fraternal Organization, Inc.; in addi-
tion, he served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Brooklyn
Day Care Center; and
WHEREAS, Compelled to visit the sick and the shut-in, William James
Steward, a lover of baseball caps, provided caps and candy on his weekly
visits to the various nursing homes within the Bedford-Stuyvesant commu-
nity; subsequently, he was affectionately known as the "candy man" for
the next 13 years; and
WHEREAS, William James Steward has been married to Wilma B. Johnson
Steward for 51 years; she feels privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoices in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, William James Steward has enriched the lives of those around
him through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the
quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years;
and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate William James Steward upon the occasion of celebrating his
100th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to William James Steward, Brooklyn, New York.