Mamie W. Alfred

Mamie Winifred Alfred, a lovely little brown eyed girl who was born on May 2nd, 1923 to the blessed parents of Issac W. and Tishia L. Alfred in Northwest Ohio. The family resided in Rossford, Ohio and in the East Toledo area. Her parents, at an early age taught her and her sister, Pearly Mae about the Lord and her beloved mother would often pray to the Lord in their beautiful home for the family. Her dad was a diligent, glass worker (grinder) at Libbey Owens Ford glass factory and a good provider to his family. Mamie was a good student in her classes at Oakdale Elementary and attended Waite High School where she liked English and Music classes. She was able to write and copyright her own music in 1944. Mamie would mention that many of her friends went to service in WWII and she would reflect on those days during the war. When asked what she wanted to be later in life, she replied,” a nurse or a missionary”. Later in life, Mamie confessed Jesus Christ as her Savior and was encouraged by her loving and strong willed, grand-father, John Alfred to get saved by the power of the Lord. This act of faith encouraged Mamie Alfred’s heart and soul throughout her lifetime. During her years, Mamie worked throughout the Toledo area in various trades such as, laundry services, skilled in ironing and shirt pressing. She was also employed at the Commodore Perry Hotel in downtown Toledo during its heyday. While working various jobs, she also was a support for family members who were elderly, sick and ill. During her lifetime, she was blessed to give birth to, raise her family and provide loving support, prayerful and “hands on” guidance to her three children. Namely, dear son, Sterling I., (deceased), who became an important Air Force mechanic/electrician; dear son, Samuel, who became a Marine recruiter and currently is a Minister; and dear daughter, Selah P., who worked in the medical field and currently working in manufacturing. Mamie W. Alfred was also an important member of various households where she worked as a diligent, trustworthy housekeeper and encouraged and prayed for many families and their children; not being ashamed to show the character of Jesus Christ in her dealings and work environment. Mamie loved gardening in the summer and growing delicious cherry tomatoes and other vegetables to share with neighbors. She was a wonderful cook who enjoyed frying fish, and crispy chicken, iron skillet cornbread and creamed corn. Although baking was not her specialty, she once made a delicious peach cobbler dessert from her best summer fruit. Her family was surprised and enjoyed it. Mamie had a heart for cats and dogs and they never fought each other but looked to her for care, kindness and respect. Recently in her lifetime, when at the nursing home and being outdoors to enjoy the environment, she enjoyed feeding bread to the Canadian geese birds which meant much to her. Mother Mamie Alfred had a powerful and sincere love for people of all walks of life and the Church-at-large because of what the Lord Jesus Christ had done in her life. She faithfully and joyfully gave support with prayer, and financial endeavors to make sure God’s house and several Christian outreach ministries were included in her giving. During her lifetime, she attended Mount Olive Baptist Church with her aunt Mattie Alston and uncle Henry Alston. The Church of the Living God “415” under Pastor, Mother Chief Jewell, where the music of praise and glorifying God was rich and bountiful and made her dance as unto the joy of the Lord in her unique way and not ashamed. A dance with her uplifted hands, quick feet and heels and legs praising God for who he is and what he meant to her because of so great salvation and mercy. Praise Him Mother! Sister Mamie Alfred took her children to church for teaching, spiritual formation. She also attended the House of Prayer and Deliverance for All people, Pastor Martha Davison, where she used her gift of evangelistic outreach, lifting offerings in support of this ministry work for souls for Christ. In continuing in the faith, giving and support of the gospel, Sister Mamie Alfred would support the work of Bishop Tumlin and Sister Pearl Tumlin in prayer, testimonies and whatever God would support her hands to do in leading many people to healing and salvation. Always abounding in the work of the ministry throughout the Toledo area, Mother was blessed to become Ordained Evangelist and Assistant Pastor through Pastor Pearl Tumlin and Overseer, Bishop Lucian Dobbs of Cincinnati, OH. In Toledo, or at yearly Conference where Mother through teaching and preaching the truth in love, and honor of the powerful Word of God to encourage and uplift people to know Jesus Christ and be comforted from life’s trouble by his Word and sure promises. When Mother Mamie Alfred retired and later needed nursing care due to sudden illness; God enabled her to recover her strength over time. She continued in the work of encouraging and reaching out to souls. Many young and middle-aged people, workers and professionals would listen to her share her stories and prayers with them on the bench at Pinewood Place Apartments, her retirement residence for about ten years. In closing, let it be known that Mother and Evangelist Mamie W. Alfred loved her family in many ways, physically, by sending cards or short notes, a phone call, money for birthdays, clothes and various items when she had it to give with joy. Spiritually, she loved her family by being there so many times in prayer, interceding and fasting to the Lord for needs spoken and unspoken; many healings and for sure, protection by faith thru God and a host of concerns. Her special saying that she had was “Keep Looking Up” and by gesture, extending her right-hand index finger upward toward heaven. This is what she did to overcome many hardships and concerns and indicated victory and power through God’s mercy, love and grace. When Jesus spoke in the New Testament to his disciples..., Lo, I’m with you always, even unto the end of the world meant so much to her, Matt 28:20. It anchored her to His Promises of Life Eternal, Everlasting and even Enduring Peace (Shalom), Faith in God through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Our Beloved Mother Mamie W. Alfred has a beautiful host of family to acknowledge; children, Samuel (Lashanna) Alfred and Selah P. Cunningham; grandchildren, Sterling C. Alfred, Kimberly Alfred, Cecelia Skinner, Shakila Skinner, Shawn Skinner, Kevin Skinner, Sterling Skinner, Katie S., Krystalyn S., Samuel Alfred II, Catherine G. Cunningham, Carla V. Cunningham, and Christa D. Cunningham, special grand-niece, Teresa Miles and special grand son, Levi Walker. Many precious grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and as many as the Lord shall call; along with a wonderful host of beloved cousins, Bishop Duane C. Tisdale (Thelma), and many others near and far. Many caring friends, spiritual daughters and sons and caretakers who were dear to her. We salute, appreciate and treasure her living testimony, example and trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ by faith through the Holy Spirit’s guidance until her departure from this earth on October 28, 2022.

Mamie W. Alfred

May 2, 1923 - October 28, 2022