Remembering The Legacy Of Worshipful Master, Jacoby Stewart
- Jun 11, 2024
- 3 min read
To the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons of Louisiana, its esteemed jurisdictions, the brothers of the 24 districts including District 22, the brothers of Golden Chain Lodge #103 in Lake Charles, the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. – Xi Eta, Omicron Sigma, and Tau Zeta Sigma Chapters, the Wylie Juneteenth Planning Committee in Wylie, TX, the brothers of William J.L. Crisp Lodge No. 279, and the Plano, TX community. I bring you greetings in brotherly love, but I write this letter with a heavy heart and profound sorrow.
It is with this heavy heart that I share with you that our beloved Worshipful Master, Noble, Sublime Prince, brother, and friend Jacoby Stewart, has passed away on June 9th, 2024.
As we share this news with those of you who knew our cherished brother, we join you in this moment of speechlessness. Which is why, at this moment, I ask the community to simply take a moment, whisper a small prayer, and remember.
We could remember that Brother Stewart was born on April 15th, 1976, raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in 1995, and joined the Xi Eta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated at McNeese State University in 1996.
We could remember he was a man of conviction with a heart for his people, and his dedication was evident when he served on the Wylie, TX Juneteenth Festival Founding Committee in 2019, contributing to a legacy that continues today.
We could remember that our Worshipful Master Jacoby Stewart was part of the triumvirate of brothers who oversaw the chartering of William J.L. Crisp Lodge No. 279 (PHA).
Yet, at this moment, I choose to remember him as a father, survived by his children Brealyn, Anaiyah, and Jacoby Stewart Jr., who are grappling with this news.
In this moment, I choose to remember his light, as expressed by Bro. Junior Warden Daniel Brazil, who described our Worshipful Master Stewart as "a beacon of light when times were dark and a true friend who embodied Masonic and Sigma values."
In this moment, I recall his joy, echoed in the words of Past Master Renaud Cager, who reminisced about the lasting memories made as brothers in Sigma and Masonry. He fondly recalls Worshipful Master Stewart's confidence, as he often quipped saying, "I make 5’5’’ look good".
In this moment, I choose to remember that above all else, Worshipful Master Stewart was a brother. He was, in the words of Past Master Quincy Thomas, "a man’s man, a brother’s brother, who has left an indelible impression on our Masonic family and our lives".
Yes, I remember it all: his laughter, the jokes, the arguments, the excitement of his new motorcycle, and the highs and lows. Most of all, I remember his final words to me and every other brother before departing on every occasion. He would utter five words that we struggled to fully grasp, only to realize their significance after he was gone. Each time he left, he would say,
“I love you all, brothers. Each and every one of you.”
Worshipful Master Stewart will be remembered by the brothers of William J.L. Crisp Lodge #279 as a caring brother who consistently prioritized the welfare of our craft, members, and families.
Worshipful Master Stewart, brother, though you are no longer with us it is my hope that you knew that you were loved too.
Remembering your legacy,
Bro. Isaac K. Ricard, Senior Warden
William JL Crisp Lodge No. 279 | Prince Hall Affiliated
Remembering my brother, my friend, my confidant. Brother Stewart - known to most of us as Coby- was and is a man that would Light up the room when he came through, filling the room with laughter as he was definitely a comedian.
There were so many times I was going through my own challenges and losses and he never hesitated to show up and tell me to chill out man and remember the great times and fun times and not to dwell on the unfortunate ones.
Even as I express my loving thoughts of my brother it’s still puts me in disbelief. Everyday is a saddening day with him no longer here with us but I know he’s with…