Albert Earl Baldwin, Sr.

1st Day

On May 25, 1944 in a small farming community near Altheimer Arkansas, Ivra and Beatrice Baldwin were blessed with their firstborn, Albert Earl Baldwin, Sr. He would be the first of seven sons and seven daughters. Albert confessed a hope in Christ and was baptized at the age of 12 at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Altheimer. Albert attended Altheimer Public Schools where he graduated in 1962.

2nd day

It was in school that Albert met his first love and the love of his life, his own beautiful
flower, Rosie Lee Webb. After graduating high school, he would do a brief employment stint
in Chicago, Illinois, but he followed his heart to Saginaw, Michigan, pursuing the object of his love. On July 26, 1964, Albert and Rosie were united in holy matrimony; to that union, four
children were born: Albert, Jr., Darren Lavell, Sheryl Lynn and Reginald Lamont. Albert's
love led him back to the foot of the cross in1980 at the age of 36. Albert received
the Holy Ghost at Bethlehem Temple Church of Apostolic Faith under the leadership of Elder
Calvin Butler who was a spiritual mentor and father to him. They shared a very special
relationship, also serving as his personal chauffeur. Bro. Baldwin's faithfulness led to his appointment as Deacon Baldwin. He also served as Sunday school van driver, teacher, and eventually superintendent, in which he served faithfully for 8 years. Deacon Albert Baldwin was appointed to the Trustee Board and he would serve the ministry fervently until his health began to decline. During these years, he also worked as a pipefitter before retiring after 35 years. He was also very active as a member of UAW Local 668.

3rd Day

Deacon Albert Baldwin, also known as “Big Al” because of his physical stature, was a critical thinker who walked in the leadership bestowed on him even at birth as firstborn of fourteen children. As a family man, he enjoyed gardening, cooking, playing and teaching others how to play chess, and tinkering with small engines. One of his last bucket list items mentioned to his sister, Betty, was to get a particular one running. She watched him accomplish it shortly before his departure. He was also an avid conversationalist who enjoyed covering a myriad of topics including sports, food, philosophy and politics. But it was his love and keen understanding of and concise teaching of the Word of God that would define the true essence of the man. On November 8, 2017, shortly before a new day’s dawning, Deacon Baldwin got his final promotion and departed from his earthly home to his heavenly home.

He leaves to celebrate his life and mourn his passing, his wife, Rosie L. Baldwin; two sons, Darren (Hedi) and Reginald (Markitta); daughter, Sheryl Lynn; ten grandchildren, Breonna (Rapheal), Devin, Darius (Ashley), Albert III, Alanah, Alivia, Kamesha Jackson, Cory Hollar, Jordan and Morgan Gail; four great-grandsons; four great-granddaughters; four brothers, Melvin Sr., Roy Sr. Ivra Jr and Keith (LaTanza); six sisters, Etta (Gary) Hunt, Betty Mason, Levonne Ross, Pamela Baldwin, Patricia Donald and Cynthia Ashford; uncle and aunt, Collie and Lucille Wedlow; aunt/sister, Ardelia Thomas; several special nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends including a special brother-in-law, Gary Hunt, and godson, Duriel Mask.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivra and Beatrice Baldwin; son, Albert Jr., and his siblings, Linda, Bernard and Ralph.