Mr. Alford Edmond Major Anderson II

April 3, 1970 - May 5, 2019

Alford Edmond Majors Anderson II, son of Arther L. Anderson Sr. and Tarawa M. Anderson was born on Friday, April 3, 1970 in Kalamazoo, Michigan at Borgess Hospital. His name which was given by his father was a combination of his paternal grandmother’s maiden name “Majors” with his great grandfathers name “Alford Edmond.” Alford loved his family and spending time with them. God gave him a wonderful spirit, which drew people to him. He could talk to anyone regardless of one’s station and he never met a stranger. He saw and focused on the good in everybody. He was a gentle giant who was a powerful advocate for the weak. He had an awesome memory, great sense of humor and was a magnificent storyteller. Although he began his high school years at Hackett Catholic Central with his older sister and brother. After a year, he thought it didn’t fit him and after pleading with his parents he and his brother transferred to Loy Norrix High School where he graduated in 1988. He played high school football and was so good that he was scouted by football scouts. It was in high school where he received the nickname “Big Al.” He went on to attend and graduate from Kalamazoo Valley Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts. He than began his Criminal Justice Pre-Law studies for his Bachelors at Western Michigan University. He attended Western Michigan University for several years. His initial goal was to be an attorney and to be an advocate for children. He worked as a Child Guidance Counselor at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home; at that time he was the youngest person appointed to such a position. This was due in large part to his magnetic personality in providing personalized guidance. Alford had several strong interests. He spent most summers (along with his siblings) at his paternal grandparents home where he spent time with his grandfather who was a carpenter and a builder. Here, Alford learned to love the construction and development industry. He completed the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America program and became a Journeyman Carpenter. After working for a while Al decided to go back to school. To improve his carpenter skills, he studied Computer Aided Drafting and Design at ITT Technical Institute and graduated from ITT in 2011. Outside of his academic accomplishments he had many hobbies and interests. He loved fishing and working out. Alford was a wonderful cook. He loved sports, and politics. Although he was heart broken about not being allowed to try and play professional football, God gave him an opportunity to play for a state team. He played semi-pro football for the Kalamazoo Tornadoes for several years. He also competed and placed high in the Tough Man Contest. He was married to and divorced from Shannon Brown. They had three children Tetchiana, Alexandria, and Alford (Lil‘ Al). He loved his children very much and they were the most important part of his life. He loved plants and animals and adopted a terrier dog who needed a home. Alford was a born-again Christian who always helped the less fortunate. Memories of his wonderful personality and love will remain in the lives of all who knew him. He departed this life Sunday, May 5, 2019 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is survived by his three children, Tetchiana Niara; Alexandria and Alford Edmond Majors, III; his parents, Elder Arther L. Anderson, Sr. (Tarawa), four siblings, Shimla (Craig); Arther L.; Jay Joshua and Tetchiana Y.; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.