Alfred Wells

Our dearly beloved brother and friend, Alfred Lee Wells transitioned from earth to heaven, on Saturday, July 27, 2019. One of God's favored servants, he loved God, this church, and its members. Each of us had a special, loving relationship with him, and he made each friend feel special. Alfred was born on July 3, 1949, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. He was the only child born to Doris Wells. He was reared by his aunt, our beloved Jennie V. Hedgepeth and his uncle, her husband, Simon Hedgepeth in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was nurtured in a Christian home and accepted Christ as his Savior over sixty years ago. He joined Third Baptist Church on February 7, 1960, and was baptized at the age of ten by the late Rev. C. H. Jordan. Alfred joyfully served in several ministries in the church including the Andrews Brothers, The A. B. Mason Missionaries, Feeding the Hungry, the Sanctuary Choir, the Third Baptist Chorus, The Male Chorus and in his youth, he sang in the Youth Choir. Alfred attended every service during the week, every event, and spent times most days at Third Baptist Church. His life was fully dedicated to serving God and His people. He was faithful in his service to God and His people. Over thirty years ago, when Alfred needed a little job, Janice Allen and Maggie Blackwell put him to work in the church office. His payment was lunch and a soda. Not only was he faithful, but he was always on time. He spent his last day on earth serving others at the Feeding the Hungry Ministry, and stopping in the church office to deliver a meal. Alfred made himself available to whomever needed help especially at Third Baptist Church. Alfred loved nice clothes and had no problem seeking compliments especially when he had on new shoes or a new suit. He was stylish and always well-dressed. Sometimes he would change his clothes two or three times per day. Alfred will be remembered for his love of music. He was so dedicated to the choir, that he would often be seen walking with his choir folder and his robe in hand. He was well known throughout midtown Portsmouth. He spent a lot of time walking throughout the neighborhood saying hello to anybody and everybody along the way. If you offered him a ride, he would probably refuse it. He could even be seen waiving at passing cars as people who knew him honked their horns to say hello to him. It . was almost as if he was an "anger that walked amongst us. He was our "gentle hero" and "a legend" in the City of Portsmouth. He could walk the streets any time of day or night without incident. He was covered, he was protected, and he was highly favored. He was loved by a multitude of people. If you were out of line, he'd set you straight and point that finger. He cruised through life as if he didn't have a care in the world. After the passing of his dear aunt Jennie Hedgepeth in April, 2005, Maggie Blackwell and William Blackwell became his guardians with family and friends to assist when needed. To Janice, he was always "my Alfred," and to Wanjuri he was her "special friend." We all mourn this great loss today for we are all his family.

Alfred Wells

July 3, 1949 - July 27, 2019