A Homegoing Celebration For Alphonzo ("Big Al") Burgess, II Corinthians 4:18, Friday, February 24, 2006, Twelve Noon, Turner Monumental A.M.E. Church, 66 Howard Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30317, 404-378-5970, Reverend Hayward White, Jr., Officiating

Pallbearers Co-workers at Mead Products
Honorary Pallbearers Stewards of Tumer Monumental A.M.E. Church
Flower Ladies Stewardesses of Turner Monumental A.M.E. Church Deaconesses of New Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church

-----.A- Homegoing .Celellnat-io-
For

Although your smile have gone, And your hands we cannot touch; We thank God for precious memories;
Of the one we loved so much; It breaks our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone;
For patt of us went with you, The day God called both you and mama home;
God knows how much we'll miss you, Our memories of you shall never fade; So lone, for now, we will meet again,
When it's our time to join the Heavenly parade.
Acknowledgement
The Family of Alphonzo Burgess extends sincere thanks and gratitude for your flowers, thoughts, words of encouragement, prayers and your presence today in the san~tuary. Every act of kindness shown is deeply appreciated. May God bless you and contmue to
enrich your life.
The Family
Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to: Stocks Funeral Home & Kirkwood Chapel 1970 Hosea L. Williams Drive N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30317
404-377-0458

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."- II Corinthians
4:18
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Friday, February 24, 2006 -Twelve Noon -
***

Tumer Monumental African Methodist Episcopal Church 66 Howard Street, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30317
404-378-5970

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Reverend Hayward White, Jr., Officiating

The Life of ... Alphonzo Burgess
Alphonzo Burgess was born June 7, 1933, to the late Mr. & Mrs. David (Eina) Burgess. He was the youngest of five siblings (Hazel, Raymond, Lillie Mae, David Jr.) all preceding him in death. His early years were spent as a young man growing up in Fulton County, Georgia. His parents knew the value of a relationship with Christ and led
Alphonzo to join Turner Chapel A.M. E. Church at a very young age. Although his
membership was at this church. Alphonzo frequently worshiped with his family at Turner Monumental A.M.E. Church. In his latter teens he developed significant athletic prowess. "Big AI" became one of the best baseball players in the City of Atlanta. Professional opportunities for African-American baseball players were very limited at this time. However, Alphonzo played baseball with the Atlanta Cardinals in a semi-professional league. Many of their games were played at the old Ponce de Leon Ball Park. He became widely known for his towering homeruns and his show-stopping stretches at first base.
On January 31, 1954. Alphonzo was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Ms. Louise Meredith. They were married for 51 years. Four children were born from this union, Cynthia Allene, Vickie Denise, Sonya Renay, and David Leonard Ill. Fatherhood began in Perry Homes Housing Projects, continued in Grady Homes Housing Projects, and transitioned to suburban Dekalb County in 1966. He was an employee at Mead Products for 38 years. As an employee at Mead he served tirelessly as a Lift Operator. His work ethics and performance on the job provided an opportunity for all four of his children to obtain employment at the plant during their summer breaks from college. Alphonzo also served as a part-time employee ~t the Hines Funeral Homes that was owned and operated by his brother-in-law, the late Mr. Harper Hines. This was one of the first black-owned and operated funeral homes in the City of Atlanta. Providing for his family is the greatest part of his legacy. He employed himself in various capacities so that his wife could remain at home to raise their children; and his children could have an opportunity to pursue a college education.
On June 7, 2000, Alphonzo provided himself with the greatest inheritance of all. For on this day, his 67u, birthday, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. While sitting at home with his daughter, Dr. Renay Rowtand, he formally received his salvation. Mr. Burgess leaves loving memories to his children, Ms. Cynthia Burgess, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Jackson (Vickie), Rev. Dexter and Dr. Rowland (Renay), Commissioner David and Mrs. Burgess (Phyllis); grandchildren, Joyava Jackson, Jessica Rowland, Janessa Rowland, Dexter Rowland, Jr., Crystal Burgess, and Christina Burgess. He also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Order of Service

Prelude

Musicians

Processional .................................................... "God Has Smiled on Me"

Opening Song......................................................... "God is Great"

Invocation...........................................................Pastor Dexter Rowland

Scripture: Old Testament New Testament

Rev. David Luke Rev. Kecia Lewis

Musical Tribute........................................... "Trouble Don't Last Always"

Reflections (3 Minutes)

Rev. Deborah Hines Andrews Mr. Edward Benton Joyava, Jessica, Janessa (Grandchildren) Mr. David Burgess

Musical Tribute.....................Jeffrey Jackson........................ "All Night" Video Presentation Obituary (Read Silently) Eulogy..............................................................Rev. Hayward White, Jr.
Pastor, Turner Monumental A.M.E. Church Acknowledgement. ..............................................Dr. Sonya B. Rowland Recess1.onaI......................................................... "Go,.1n Up Yonder"

- INTERMENT-
Kennedy Memorial Gardens 2500 River Road
Ellenwood, Georgia