Delores (Simpkins) Steward was born on January 20, 1932 in Edgefield, SC. She was one of ten children born to the late Mack and Susie Simpkins, Sr.  Her primary education was completed in the school of Edgefield, SC.

At an early age Lois, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, confessed Christ as her personal savior, was baptized and became a member of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Johnston, SC.  It was also in South Carolina that she met and later married Robert Steward, Sr. Their marriage was blessed with four children.

Seeking better economic opportunities, Delores left South Carolina first moving to Washington, DC then to Boston, MA.  In 1967, she settled in Paterson, NJ where she would remain for 43 years, until she relocated to Charlotte, NC with her oldest son.  It was also in Patterson that she gave birth to her youngest son.

Being nurtured in a family of strong Christian faith, Delores sought to continue her Christian growth.  In 1967 she united with the Shiloh Baptist Church of Paterson, NJ under the leadership of the late Rev. Alfred Blakely.  She faithfully served the Shiloh Church in a variety of capacities.  In later years, she would become a member and active supporter of Community Holiness Church, Paterson, NJ (Elder Alvin Kohn) where she was licensed to preach; Full Gospel Zion Tabernacle Church, Paterson, NJ (Bishop James Robinson); and Closer Walk Ministries, Newark, NJ (Rev. Robert Goldson).  Upon her relocation to North Carolina, she became a member of the Morning Star Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Robert Bostic.

In her early adult years, Delores was self-employed as a Domestic Worker and a Beautician.  She was greatly loved by the families that she served.  She was later employed at Safeway Cleaners in Wayne, NJ. Prior to her relocation, she was employed for over 25 years at the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Center in Paramus, NJ first in the Laundry Department and later as a Detention Officer.  She retired from the detention center after a long tenure of faithful service.  She delighted in the lives she was able to touch through her employment.

On Wednesday, March 20, 2019, Delores peacefully made her transition from life's labor to heaven's reward.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Steward, Sr.; a son Donnie Steward; a brother, Otis Simpkins; and another sibling who died at birth.

Her love, laughter and precious memories will forever be cherished by her children, James L. "Sonny" Steward, Robert "June" Steward, Jr., Johnnie Mack Steward and Mamie "Gwen" Peavy; her brothers, Willie R. Simpkins, David Simpkins, Mack Simpkins, Jr., Climus L. Simpkins; sisters, Betty Jean Graham, Vivian L. Clayton, and Annie Doris Cooks; ten grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two daughters-in-law, Nancy Steward and Marco Steward; special friends, Elizabeth Faison and Joyce Trucci; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.