Steward, 54 SMYRNA - Vernard Kemp Steward, 54 of Smyrna, passed away on December 20, 2014 in Christiana Hospital. Kempy was born on October 4, 1960 in Chestertown, Md., son of Vonceal Bowser Steward and the late Alfred Steward, Jr. He was a 1978 graduate of Kent County High School. He entered the U.S. Army in 1979 with 11 years of active service, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. He continued serving with the Maryland National Guard, retiring in 2004. Kempy had worked at Heron Point and most recently for Roses Department Store. He enjoyed Jazz music and was a Ravens Fan. Along with his father he was preceded in death by two brothers, Darnell Steward and Larry Steward, Sr.; and his father-in-law, Thomas Russum. Kempy is survived by his wife of seven years, Susan Russum Steward; his mother, Vonceal Steward; a son, Meiko Jackson of Baltimore; three sisters, Noralene Thomas (Isaac), Alina Thomas (Orlando) and Charlene Steward all of Chestertown; two brothers, Delvin Steward (Sharon) of Chestertown and Gary Stewart (Alice) of Still Pond; mother-in-law, Gladys Russum of Millington; sister-in-law, Tara Russum of Centreville; godmother, Yvonne Brown; goddaughter, Natasha Jeff; several aunts and uncles including, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Brown and Mr. & Mrs. Cleveland Steward; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including James Barrett who was like a brother. A viewing will be 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, December 28, 2014 in the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, 118 West Cross St. Galena, Md. Funeral service will be 12 p.m., Monday, December 29, 2014 in Bethel AME Church, Chestertown, where viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Burial to follow.