Lem Edward Steward was born to the late Ollie Bennett Steward and the late Eddie Owens Steward on September 21, 1940, in Bamberg County, SC. He was educated in the Bamberg County Schools and at an early age joined Honey Ford Baptist Church. He later ventured to Brooklyn, NY to later return to Denmark, SC. Lem worked at Phoenix Specialty of Bamberg SC for 24 years until he retired in 2000.

Lem was preceded in death by his mother Ollie Bennett Steward. His father Eddie Owens Steward Sr., and four siblings: John Henry Steward, Eddie Owens Steward Jr., Rose Steward Brown and James Henry Steward.

On January 1, 1965, Lem professed his love before man and God when he was united in holy matrimony to Helen Johnson in Bamberg, SC.

He leaves a legacy of love to cherish his memories a devoted wife of 55 years Helen; six children,  Edward (Betty) Steward, Rosie Steward (Frankey Tyler), Jerry (Vonda) Steward, Tonya (Calvin) Wright of Orangeburg, SC, Annette Steward of Denmark, SC and Charles Johnson of Columbia, SC. Lem had a very special relationship with his six grandchildren, Dominique (Quoneshia) Steward, Columbus, GA, Clarance Hits, Brandon Hits, both of Denmark, SC, Chelsea Steward, Orangeburg, SC, Jerry A. Steward, Pinehurst, NC and Taylor Steward of Rock Hill, SC. Lem was blessed to have two grandchildren, Camarian Johnson of Columbus, GA and Cayden Jammal Hits of Denmark, SC. Lem also leaves behind two brothers, Charles (Shellie) Steward, John (Dora) Ervin Steward; four sisters, Eddie Mae Holman of Denmark, SC, Flora (Frank) Ritter of Orangeburg, SC Willie Mae McMillan of Brooklyn, NY and Alice (Donald) Bush of Augusta, GA.

Lem will be greatly missed by family.