Roderick Stewart

A native of Covington, Kentucky, Roderick N. Stewart was born April 7, 1938, to the parents of Jane Elizabeth Stewart and Walter Leslie Whatley.

Rod was raised by his maternal grandparents Charles and Martha Stewart who were staples in the community and St. James AME Church which they attended faithfully.

Rod discovered a love for music, learning to play the clarinet and the piano. He had a special talent for the piano and was regularly asked to play with local musicians. He only had to hear a tune/song once and he could play it from memory. Rod served as the pianist choir Director at St. James AME for more than 50 years.

Rod’s other great love was sports. That included sports of all kinds. This was a trait he inherited from his mother Jane and his granddaddy Stewart. They could watch sports for hours and quote every stat for every player.

He had a special fondness for the Lakers to which he traveled several times to watch play, with sons Idris and Clooney (Brian).

Traveling was also something Rod enjoyed. He and Charlotte went on many trips, cruises or plane rides; he was eager for the journey.

Rod attended Lincoln Grant School. He graduated from Bennett High School in Buffalo, New York, where he lived with his Aunt Mary Summers Northington. After graduation, it was off to Wilberforce University and Thomas Moore College. Rod earned a Bachelors and CPA following in the footsteps of his parents who were both CPAs.

Rod was drafted into the Army which took him to Germany. After his discharge from the service, Rod began his career with the Post Office where he started as a Letter Carrier (Mailman). He later obtained the level of Postmaster.

Rod married Lenora Jean Burton, at an early age, to which three children were born, Zubair (Rod), Dianna and Brian (Clooney).

Years later he met Charlotte Hipsher. This union resulted in a son, Idris; and two stepdaughters, Abdwayla and Aminah. Their more than 45 years together gave him great comfort and peace of mind.

Rod spent his New Year 2026, at home surrounded by a constant stream of visiting friends and loved ones. He received the best care he could have ever had by Charlotte and Idris who were by his side daily.

Rod departed this earth on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at home peacefully.

He leaves to cherish his memory the love of his life, Charlotte Hipsher; brother, Brian Hales of Cleveland, Ohio; sisters, Linda Whatley, Tonya Lane, and Patricia Charlton all of Cincinnati; sons, Muhammad Zubair Abdul-Samad of Cincinnati, Idris Rasheed Stewart of Covington, and Brian Eric Stewart (Clooney) who preceded him in death; daughters, Dianna Jean Steagall (Tracy) of Cincinnati, Abdwayla Hipsher (Clint) and Aminah Hipsher of Cincinnati; 21 grandchildren, one preceded him in death, Erin Danyel Stewart; and 16 great grandchildren, one preceded him in death, Kaaree Hipsher; and a host of special nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Roderick Stewart, please visit our Tribute Store.