Anna Mae Alexander (Lansing)

Ms. Dexter Anna Mae Culpepper was born on March 8, 1920, in Ragland, Alabama to parents Lonnie and Alice Culpepper. On Tuesday, November 10, 2020, she exchanged her earthly home for her heavenly home at her residence surrounded by her loved ones in Lansing, Michigan.

In 1948, she relocated to Lansing, Michigan, and became known as “Anna Mae”. Anna quickly adjusted to living in the North and was able to make a wonderful life for herself. She attended Cosmetology school and became a licensed beautician, while remaining very active in the community. In 1965, she married Robert J. Alexander Sr. and they were blessed with one son, affectionally known as “Bobby”. For many years she was a foster grandparent at Letts Community Center, finally retiring when she was 92 years old. In the late 1990’s she received the Black Business Women of the Year Award.

Anna Mae had a deep abiding love for the Lord. She was a trailblazer and a pioneer for women in ministry. She attended seminary or school of theology and received her ministers’ license to preach and teach God's Word to God's people in a time when women clergy was rare. Her willingness and ability to serve as a minister of the Gospel was and remains a testimony to her faith and her conviction that God had planned and purposed her life for such a vocation. She was a faithful member of Trinity AME Church for many years currently pastored by Reverend Lila Martin.

Reverend Anna celebrated her 100th birthday this year on March 8th. The Mayor of Lansing, Andy Schor not only attended her birthday party, he presented her with a proclamation declaring March 8th as Reverend Anna Mae Alexander Day in the city of Lansing.

Reverend Anna leaves to cherish her memory her loving and extremely devoted son, Robert J. Alexander, II; and many other relatives, which includes nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including her Trinity AME Church family, and the many clients she served over the years.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and all of her siblings, brothers, Jessie, Oney, Tony, Lonnie; sisters, Iletha, Mattie, Ivy, and Naomi.