Gwendell Stewart, age 63, of Rockford, IL, passed away on June 19, 2026. He was born May 19, 1963 in St. Louis, MO to his loving parents, Gwendell Streets and Georgia Lee Stewart.

Gwendell, affectionately known to family and friends as "1 Time," will be remembered for his work ethic, warm personality, and the joy he brought to those around him. He was skilled with his hands and took pride in any task he set out to accomplish.

Those who knew Gwendell often spoke of the unmistakable "Georgia Lee look" he would give—a look that reminded everyone of his beloved mother and became one of the many traits that made him uniquely himself. He enjoyed life's simple pleasures, especially listening to music, attending cookouts, dancing, and spending time talking and laughing with family and friends.

Among his greatest blessings and proudest moments in life were the births of his children. His love for his family was evident in the way he cherished every opportunity to be with them. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by everyone whose lives he touched.

Gwendell was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents. He is survived by his children, Demitrius, Jermala, Lamarkis, Jamar, Jerrell, Jeremy, Lawrence, and Quintez; siblings, Georgia Sharpe, Patricia Stewart, Tony Stewart, Michelle Stewart, Christine Stewart, Rosetta Stewart, Eric Stewart, James Stewart, and Earl Stewart; twelve grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 10:00am until funeral service at 11:00am, Friday, July 3, 2026, at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

To access the service remotely, loved ones are encouraged to log on via Zoom (Meeting ID: 890 7462 4940, Password: 647641).

Interment will be at 1:00pm, Monday, July 6, 2026 at Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin, IL 60120.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.