Marvin Carlton Alexander Sr.

Marvin, a native of Washington, District of Columbia was born on July 7, 1935. He was the third child of five children born to Neal Alexander and Edna Mary Henson Alexander. Marvin’s parents, his siblings and his son, Mark, predeceased him.

Early in his life Marvin was christened at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Washington, District of Columbia, and remained an active member of that church during the years that he lived in the District of Columbia. As a young boy, he served as an altar boy, a role that Marvin often recalled with great pride and reverence.

On March 17, 1978, Marvin was united in marriage to Alice Elizabeth Beach. He and his wife resided in Silver Spring, Maryland until 2006, at which time they relocated to Williamsburg, VA.

Not long after their relocation to Williamsburg, Marvin, along with his wife, began attending New Zion Baptist Church. He later joined New Zion Baptist Church, where he was an active and

beloved member. He regularly attended church worship services and other activities and delighted in fellowship with other parishioners. Marvin enjoyed the church family children, and they loved him! Marvin was a dedicated volunteer to the New Members' Ministry where he was a faithful contributor. God blessed Marvin with the gifts of kindness and hospitality, which he used faithfully in his service to this ministry, welcoming new members to the church.

The public school system of the District of Columbia provided Marvin his formal education at Douglas Simons Elementary School, Walker Jones Elementary School and Terrell Junior High Armstrong High School. He received a diploma from Armstrong Auto Mechanic Trade School. He also attended Lithographic Trade School in Washington, District of Columbia.

After accomplishing a two-year apprenticeship in photography at the United States Government Printing Office, Marvin became employed there as a photographer. For a while he also worked in the law enforcement drug unit. He was employed at the Government Printing Office for 42 years, retiring from the

position of Assistant Section Chief on September 3, 1998. Marvin taught physical education at Campus Parochial School in Washington, District of Columbia for two years. Having a love for many sports he also served as a basketball and track coach. He coached the girls’ track and basketball teams to

championship in the Catholic Youth Organizational League.

Working as a demolition expert, Marvin served in the Unites States Army with the 101st Airborne Division for two years.

For six years, Marvin, along with his wife, participated in volunteer work with

the Meals on Wheels Program.

Through the years Marvin experienced declining physical health, but he always maintained a wonderful sense of humor with a ready bright smile; a hopeful attitude and extraordinary forbearance and resilience provided by God’s grace. He had abundant faith in God and love for God’s people as was evidenced in his day-to-day interactions with others.

Among his relatives and many friends Marvin leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Alice; his beloved children,Tanya, Tecumseh, Marvin Junior, and Lisa; eleven grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, two sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law; and two godchildren, Tracie Gibson and Jeffrey Ambush.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die…A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn…A time to love. Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 2, 4