Alvis Hester, Jr. (Lansing)

Mr. Alvis “Al” Hester, Jr.- Age 78, made his transition to be with the Lord on Friday, November 3, 2017 at home surrounded by family. Al was born on September 16, 1939 to Alvis and Gertrude Hester in Atoka, Tennessee. Al was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.

Al moved from Millington, Tennessee to Lansing, Michigan in 1960 seeking a better life for his family. Shortly after his arrival to Lansing, he was employed by Fisher Body. After being diagnosed with Parkinson disease, he retired after 31 years of dedicated service.

Al accepted Christ as his personal Savior, and joined the St. Paul Church of God in Christ, now known as Robinson Memorial Church of God in Christ. His service in this ministry spanned more than 50 years in multiple roles: maintenance worker, choir member, Sunday school teacher, deacon and trustee board member. In his spare time, Al enjoyed repairing and restoring cars, along with doing carpentry. He loved all people unconditionally. He was well known and respected for his tireless helping hands and big heart. Although he worked several jobs to provide for his family, he always made time for his wife, Ruby, and family. They took many family vacations, which included trips to France, Italy and Germany.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Ruby Hester; 6 sons, Eric Hester, Kenneth (Jana) Hester, Randall (LaNette) Hester, Kerry Hester, Karl (Tracy) Hester and Martice (Molly) Hester; Daurice Torry, whom he loved like a daughter, Dewayne Burton, whom he loved like a son; Jessie Brown, a devoted son-in-law; grandchildren, Kenshauna, James, Justin, Jessie, Eric Marquis, Kenneth, Jamara, Olivia, Aaron, Jonathan, Ryeasha, Mariah, Ryanna, Steven, Ryaira, Lorenzo, Amari, Kyle, Maya and Alana; great grandchildren, Silas, Janaya, Justin, Joelle, Olyvia, Emerson and Avery; 2 sisters, Gladys (John) Watson and Birdie Lou Wakefield; 1 brother, McKinley (Eula) Hester; 3 sisters-in-law, Ruth Hester, Geneva Wray and Mary Delois Porter; 4 brothers-in-law, Sim (Minnie) Burton, Sammy (Patricia) Burton, Calvin (Annette) Burton and Maurice Burton; many loving nieces including special niece, Miranda Fay Hinton; nephews; Godchildren, Shatara Thompson and Quincy Wise; and many other relatives and friends, including special friend, Albert Hamm.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Belinda Hester Brown, siblings, Icie Mae Heaston, Douglas and Henry Wray, Harvey and Jimmy Hester.