"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and go and pray to me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:11-13

Mr. Dwight G. Mays was born on June 28, 1956 in Dallas, Texas and was the youngest son born to Gladys Mays and James Steward, Sr. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of the "Exciting" Singing Hills Baptist Church.

Dwight was educated in the Dallas Independent School District and graduated from L. G. Pinkston High School. After graduating high school he developed a passion for the culinary field and was employed as a Sous Chef for several years at The Westin Galleria Hotel and The Tower Club in Dallas. In 1997, he sought employment with the Dallas County Sheriff's Department where he began his career as a Detention Officer and would end his career as a Deputy Sheriff with 21 years of dedicated service and a member of the Dallas Sheriff Association. He also worked part time for Life Charter School in Dallas.

He is preceded in death is his mother, Gladys F. Mays; father, James E. Steward; brothers, Myron E. Mays and Charles E. Steward; and sisters, Pamela K. Hill and Betty J. Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memories three children, Dwight Smith (Tecola), Darian McGee (Cecilia), and Khaila (Vicki). He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Karma, Dalaysia, Daelon, Davian, and Dristian; ten siblings, Akeem Jami (Linda), Ray A. Steward (Jenette), James A. Steward (Marva), Reginald M. "Bubby" Steward (Teresa), Ronnie C. Steward (Angie), Gloria B. Cook, Ceylon R. Mays, Connie F. Mays Virgie Green (Melvin), and Sylvia Turner; step-mother, Arnita S. Brown; his second mother, Audray D. Buckner; special friends, Michael Buckner, Larry Lowe, and Lisa McCain; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and co-workers at Dallas County Sheriff 's Department and Life Charter Schools.