Alonza Cummings

Alonza Cummings (affectionately known as “Baddie”), son of the late Geneva Cummings and James Smalls, was born on November 27, 1944, in Beaufort, South Carolina. He was the only child, however, treated his cousins Geneva Holmes(preceded him in death) and Delphine Simpson as his sisters. His mother passed away when he was about seven months oldand so was raised by his grandparents Julia and ArthurCummings (both preceded him in death). His aunt, EleaseCummings (preceded him in death) also played a tremendous role in raising him. Alonza was the proud father of three biological children- Yvette, Alonzo, and Kareem (who preceded him in death). He also lovingly embraced the role of a father figure to Michael Sparrow, Crystal McNeil, Danielle Witsell, and Alice Sparrow. Quietly and peacefully on Sunday March 1, 2026, God in His infinite wisdom, closed Alonza’s eyes and entered him into eternal rest. Rooted deeply in his Geechee Southern heritage, Alonza was a good friend to everyone he met. His strong southern accent was not only a reflection of his history, but a symbol of his strong upbringing. Alonza was educated in the Beaufort public school system and graduated from Robert Smalls High School in 1962. After high school, he served four years in the Air Force as a ground equipment mechanic. After his service, he worked as a warehouseman in the supply department of the Philadelphia Navy Yard. When layoffs occurred, Alonza pursued studies inair conditioning and refrigeration. The guidance counselor at the school informed him about opportunities in the air traffic controlfield. In 1970, after passing a government test, he was offered a position at a Government Service rating of a 7, which he turned down. The reason he gave was: "I would have had to go down to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Academy for twelve weeks and since I had no experience in air traffic control, I knew that I would not have made it, so I wrote to the FAA to consider me at some future date.” The following year, Alonza acceptedthe air traffic controller's job at John F. Kennedy Airport. He said, "This time I accepted because I would be attending school for six months with fellows who, like me, didn't have the background either. At least I would have a fair chance to learn."Working as a GS12 journeyman at JFK Airport in Jamaica, New York, Alonza Cummings loved and enjoyed what he considered not an ordinary job. He eventually became the supervisor of the Air Traffic Controllers at JFK Airport and was serving as the supervisor during the events of 9/11. Alonza retired as a GS15. Alonza joined St. Anthony Baptist Church on March 30, 1986,and was baptized the following month on April 18, 1986. He served as a Trustee and was an active member of the men’s choir. His integrity, compassion, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his church could never be replaced. Alonza was a devoted Dad, church Trustee, Air Force veteran, retired Air Traffic Controller, and loved kids. After an illness, his son Alonzo and daughter-in-law Teisha cared for him and relocated him to Virginia. Alonza remained in Virginia for his final 6 years. Alonza leaves to cherish his memory his biological daughter Yvette Daneen Smalls, biological son Alonzo Sparrow (Teisha);four that he embraced the role of father figure to, MichaelSparrow, Crystal McNeil, Danielle Witsell, and Alice Sparrow;granddaughters, Azzanni Sparrow, Brittany Etheridge, Latrelle Bailey, and Zouri Sparrow; grandsons, Khiry Smalls, Alonza Miranda, Clifton Washington, and Phillip Etheridge;Cousin/Sister, Delphine Simpson; Nieces, Dr. Dee’ Ann S. Lisby-Lundy, Andrea N. Simpson, and Cynthia Simpson; Cousins, Arthur Lee Cummings (Rose), Julia Spratt-Holmes (Howard), Oliver Spratt (Lurene), Donna Brown (Melvin), and Howard Spratt (Anna) and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and friends.

Alonza Cummings

November 20, 1944 - March 1, 2026