Ettienne Lamar Stuart

June 22, 1982 - Oct 10, 2023

Allow me to set the scene: it's the late '90s. I'm sitting on the sofa as I put a weave in the hair of one of my dear customers, her sitting on the floor between my legs. Next to me is my Ace #1 sister/friend, J Tuanita; this girl has been around since we were in the second grade. More about her and me later.

Meanwhile, J is playing the sounds of the time: Spice Girls, TLC, and EnVogue Destiny Child. She plays the songs repeatedly so we can write down the lyrics and memorize them by heart. She and I plan to put together a girl band of our own. Those were the days.

Hello, how rude of me. Allow me to present myself. I am Ettienne Lamar Stuart, the first child and baby girl born to James Lamar Brown and Mary Nerice Stuart. I arrived on the first full day of summer in 1982, June 22nd, in Flint, MI. Years later, my mom had my brother, Roddrick, and our family was complete. Although I enjoyed my education, I needed more than a traditional one. Even in the streets, I learned better on my own. Therefore, I obtained my GED. Furthering my studies as a bartender, nursing student, and in criminal justice and business administration, I felt empty with these choices. I was fulfilled by doing hair, makeup, dancing, singing, and entertaining.

My best sister friend, Ms. J. Tuanita Jordan, is like a mirror image of me. We thought alike, we spoke alike, and we could even harmonize. She is the godmother of my firstborn, Alayah, and my ride-or-die. I can count on her through thick and thin; she has always been there in good times and bad and will always have a special place in my heart.

My brother Roddrick Stuart always had my back. He was my protector. You better watch what you say or do about me because you don't want to deal with him. I love my little brother as much as he loves me, maybe even more.

There was nothing I loved in this life more than my journey of motherhood. My eight children are my pride and joy. My most significant legacy of love would be through the familial ties of my offspring. First, there was Alayah, then Martin, Amirah, Semajah, La'Niiyah, DeVonnah, James, and finally La'Ziyaah. Giving birth to these phenomenal human beings was my most cherished accomplishment.

I developed a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ very young. I never vacillated too far away from that relationship. I know Christ; He is the Redeemer of my sins, and because He lived, I may live when I am no longer on this earth.

My favorite color is red. Friends and family would tell you that I am full of passion. I enjoyed watching football when I had the opportunity -- I'm a fan of the Denver Broncos. I am outgoing and have quite a goofy personality. I love to have a good time hanging with family, choreographing dance moves to Rihanna and David Banner, playing dominoes, singing, and making the people around me laugh and feel warm.

If you're reading this, don't cry for me. Do not feel despair; my life is complete. I lived it well, leaving wonderful human beings behind to continue my legacy. Laugh, rejoice, and carry on all the moments and love I left in my wake.

My life will be reverberated through the lives of those I loved and treasured and those who cherished and loved me. My children Alayah, Martin, Amirah, Semajah, La'Niiyah, DeVonnah, James, and La'Ziyaah; my brother Roddrick Stuart; bestie J Tuanita Jordan; and the host of other family and friends that walked with me down my path of life.