In Loving Memory of Robert Bertrum “Rahim” Stewart
November 6, 1944 – July 4, 2026
There will be a celebration of life on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC, 29732. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service, starting at 12 pm.
On July 4, 2026, Robert Bertrum Stewart, affectionately known as Rahim, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life, leaving behind a legacy of service, knowledge, faith, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.
Rahim was born on November 6, 1944, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Mary Lee Campbell Stewart and Felix Emerald Stewart. At just 17 years old, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably as a Rifleman and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal.
After one year, four months, and thirteen days of military service, he was honorably discharged due to a life-altering service-connected injury. Though physically wounded, his spirit remained steadfast and resilient.
Following his military service, Rahim attended Federal City College in Washington, D.C., where he trained as a machinist, while working as a welder at Catholic University. Throughout his life, he remained deeply committed to education, social justice, and empowering others. As a young man, he joined the Black Panther Party, dedicating himself to the pursuit of equality and meaningful social change. He later became a devoted member of Union Temple Baptist Church, where he faithfully led the Black Men’s Story Class, mentoring and encouraging countless men and women through fellowship, history, and spiritual discussion.
An avid reader, researcher of history and religion, and lifelong student, Rahim possessed an extraordinary passion for learning. He never met a stranger and rarely missed an opportunity to share his knowledge, even when unsolicited. Whether discussing history, faith, politics, or life itself, he found joy in teaching and inspiring those around him.
On January 9, 1977, Rahim married the love of his life, Cathy Stewart. Together they shared forty-nine years of unwavering love, partnership, and devotion, building a family grounded in faith, resilience, and unconditional love. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Cathy Stewart; his daughter, Nisan Williams, and her husband, Sean Williams; and his son, Raheem Emerald Stewart, and his wife, Deanna Katent Stewart. Rahim’s legacy also lives on through his cherished grandchildren: Chantal Douglas, Alexis Robinson (husband Je’len Wherry), Kayla Williams, Chlonn Raymond Williams, Christian Jalil Utley, Akil Nasir Williams, Naomi Yué Stewart, and Rahim Daví Stewart. He was also blessed with his beloved great-granddaughter, Sariah Raylynn Williams, who brought him immense joy.
He was one of six siblings. He was preceded in death by his brothers James “Boots” Stewart, Warren Stewart, and Douglas Stewart. He is survived by his loving sisters, Deborah Stewart and Sandra Stewart, who will forever cherish his memory.
Rahim also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. Among them were two nieces who held a special place in his heart, Kareema Morris and Sharron Cloretta Miller-Roberts, affectionately known to him as his “Sugar Booger,” as well as his beloved cousin, Shirley Ann Boston, whose lifelong bond with him was filled with love and treasured memories.
Rahim also leaves behind his cherished sisters-in-love, Mary Alice Solomon, Mary Ann Miller, Minnie Pearl Hakir, and Sherry Ramos and her husband, Angelo Ramos; as well as his beloved brothers-in-law, Charles Edward Ratliff and his wife, Joyce Ratliff, and Edward Charles Ratliff and his wife, Natalie Ratliff.
Rahim’s life was defined not by the hardships he endured, but by the wisdom he shared, the lives he touched, and the principles he lived by. His courage, intellect, compassion, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others will continue to inspire generations to come. Though his earthly journey has ended, his voice echoes in the lessons he taught, his love lives on in the family he cherished, and his legacy remains forever etched in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.