Matthew Lewis Stewart, Sr., passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024, at the age of 75. Matthew was born on December 15, 1948, to the union of Ester Stewart and McKinley Collins. He was adopted at the age of 5 by Lillian and Dunk Graves. He grew up in Centreville, Mississippi, and later resided in New Orleans, Louisiana. Matthew graduated from the Amite County Training School in Gloster, Mississippi and studied at Southern University at New Orleans. He served in the U.S. Navy and retired from the Army Corp of Engineers after 35 years as a Lock and Dam Foreman. After retirement, Matthew worked at Lee Road Junior High School in Covington, Louisiana in the cafeteria. He later worked at Franco's Athletic Club at the front desk and in the maintenance department where he was recognized as Employee of the Year on two occasions. He also worked at Stone Creek Health Club and Spa as Assistant Facilities Director and helped to open the facility. Matthew worked as a Custodian and Curriculum Specialist at the St. Tammany Parish School Board. His last employment after retirement was at Coquille Parks and Recreation where he was a Manager on Duty and was recognized as Employee of the Month. He attended church at St. Timothy United Methodist Church and was a member of the choir and the Friendship Sunday School Class. Matthew is survived by his wife, Willa, and their four children, Alanna, Keith (Ana), Madelyn, and Charles; his first wife, Aniese, and their two children, Matthew Jr., and Khary; ten grandchildren; two brothers Randy Stewart (Donna)  of Westwego, LA, and Rene Stewart (Michelle) of Altamont Springs, FL; six sisters Celia Anthony of Avondale, LA, Mamie Brown (Lawrence) of New Orleans, LA, Minnie Baptiste (Earl) of New Orleans, LA, Alma Stewart of New Orleans, LA, Dorothy Brady (Harold) both of Harvey, LA, Darlene McNeil of Metairie, LA, Antionette Stewart, and Elaine Raby of Mobile, AL along with several nephews, nieces, and cousins. A service to celebrate Matthew's life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 9:00 am (visitation) and 10:00 am (service) at St. Timothy on the Northshore, 335 Asbury Dr., in Mandeville, LA 70471. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Matthew's memory to the National Kidney Foundation and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. In place of a burial, Matthew has requested that his ashes be placed in areas where he spent his childhood years and had fond memories as a child in Mississippi.  Matthew's memories will live on through his family and friends.