Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28)

Alvin Alexander Booker Sr., of Richmond, was born August 4, 1933, to his beloved mother, Henrietta Marie Booker. He transitioned from this life on November 26, 2024.

The Great Depression was looming heavily (1929 - 1939) followed by WWII which lasted well into the 1940’s consumed his childhood. Alvin knew he had to do something to help his mother make ends meet. He would rise early in the morning before school, at the crack of dawn, head out to stand on the corner and wait for Mr. Lonie and his “Big ol Mare” hitched to a wagon. Alvin would climb in and off they went selling rags from door to door. You could hear the “ol Mare” heavy huffs hitting the pavement. Mr. Lonie also sold large blocks of ice to those folks who had ice boxes. The Federal Government was handing out rations of food during this time by the crates, which included some families that needed cold storage. Because Mr. Lonie didn’t know how to read or write, he paid Alvin in coins. He later partnered with Alvin because he seemed to be an innocent boy, so he trusted him to handle the finances. Alvin would take all of his pay home to his mother and she insisted that he keep a nickel for himself. Alvin being a kindhearted person, taught Mr. Lonie to read and write and shortly thereafter, Mr. Lonie didn’t need him anymore. This was the beginning of Alvin’s humble beginnings.

Alvin was educated in the Richmond Public School System. He attended Armstrong High School and Joined the Cadet Corps. Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Pauline B. Hoover. They joined together in Holy Matrimony on August 16, 1951. They were married for 73 years.

He later worked for Westvaco. He trained new employees on how to operate machinery and equipment. During his stint as a forklift operator, he occasionally regulated operations. He was an exemplary employee receiving recognition for missing one day from work out of 30 years of service.

Alvin also worked a second job for J.D. Carneal Estates. He was a loyal, dedicated and trustworthy employee. He was entrusted to perform various obligations and chores. Alvin was later promoted to Groundsman Manager. He was more than just an employee; he bonded with the Carneal’s in friendship lasting a lifetime.

Alvin was a staunch Redskins fan. He also liked golf tournaments. He spent time at Bryd Park jogging and running sometimes 15 miles. His buddies referred to him as the running man.

Hobbies: Alvin was a Master Carpenter. His work proved skillful in precision and craftmanship having aesthetical appeal. Alvin loved recreational sports, pocket billiards, volleyball and croquet to name a few. Alvin and Pauline traveled sometimes with family and friends, having beautiful experiences and sharing moments.

Alvin was a gentle giant with a commanding voice and reasoning spirit. With Pauline, his wife by his side, he was the man that made his family secure by the foundation he stood on and his humble beginnings. He was also affectionally called Big Bro by all of his brothers and sisters because he was always there for them.

In addition to his mother preceding him in death, he was also preceded in death by his son, Rodney Booker and two brothers, James Chiles and Richard Booker.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Pauline B. Booker; two sons, Alvin A. Booker Jr. and Lawrence Booker (Norris Lorraine); two daughters, Jacquelyn M. Wilson and Karen L. Richardson; a host of grandchildren; two brothers, Andrew and Charles Chiles; two sisters, Ann Neal and Elnora Cooke; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, December 9, 2024. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 10 at 11 a.m. at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Pastor Harold Wilson, Jr. officiating. Interment Oakwood Cemetery.