Watershed’s founder, Rev. Hezekiah D. Stewart, Jr., passes away at the age of 80

Little Rock, Arkansas – Reverend Hezekiah D. Stewart, Jr., the 80-year-old founder of the Watershed Human and Community Development organization, passed suddenly on Wednesday.

In Little Rock, Missouri, Stewart and the Mt. Nebo African Methodist Episcopal Church established the Watershed in 1978.

The organization serves everyone who visits it in Pulaski County and the neighboring areas, and it is housed in the former Gillam Park School building.

On their website, the group states that they offer those in need information, counseling, and relief services related to Children and Family Services/Family Resource Jobs.

Their mission statement on their website says “feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, housing the homeless, cheering the fallen, providing jobs for the jobless, administering to those in crisis, and encouraging economic development and self-sufficiency.”

“I really got encouraged to help people feel like they were important,” Stewart said.

Social media users are expressing their condolences, among them is Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.

“Rev. Stewart positively impacted the lives of countless thousands through his servant leadership and commitment to Christ’s call to love your neighbor as yourself,” Scott said. “Under his guidance, The Watershed has done immeasurable good here in Little Rock and across our region for more than 45 years. He was a pillar of this community and an example to all of us. My condolences and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”