Alvoston L. Taylor, Jr. Obituary (1942 - 2017)

departed this life on Monday, November 13, 2017. He was born September 7, 1942, in Richmond, Va., and was preceded in death by his parents, Alvoston Sr. and Lucy Johnson Taylor; sister, Claudine T. Darden; and brother, Robert G. Taylor. He was a product of Richmond Public Schools and graduated from Armstrong High School. Al furthered his education by graduating from Virginia Union University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Government. Al obtained his Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University with additional coursework at The University of Virginia and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He served 35 years with the Richmond Public Schools as a history teacher, Administrative Assistant to the Principal, Curriculum Specialist, Assistant Principal, Recruiter and Principal. He served as Principal of Open High School and Richmond Community High School and lectured in African-American History at the University of Virginia. For over 30 years, Al served as a member of the Maggie Walker Historical Foundation. He also served as a big brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Richmond mentoring numerous youth. He was active in his community and loved being of service to others. Alvoston held membership in Hobson Lodge No. 23 F & AM Masons. As a member, he served the lodge as Worshipful Master and Secretary. He also served eight years as Worshipful Grand Assistant Secretary of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia. He held the 33 Degree in Masonry and was the Keeper of Seals and Archives, Emeritus of Richmond Consistory No. 22 A.A.S.R. (PHA). He also held membership in Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity and the Phi Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Alvoston is survived by his devoted wife, Brenda F. Taylor; daughter, Alveeta T. Bower (Walker L.); granddaughter, Tayla Bower; sister, Phyllis T. Shelton; brothers in love, John Darden and George Fauntleroy Sr. (Louise); sisters in love, Almeria Grant (Keith) and Vera Alston (Henry); family in love, Walker M. and Phyllis Bower and Donna Bower; dedicated caregiver, Clarisse Carter; and a host of other relatives and friends. Remains rest at Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull Street. The family will receive family and friends at Gravel Hill Baptist Church (South Richmond) at 2600 Gravel Hill Rd., Richmond, Va. 23225 on Friday, November 17. Scottish Rite last rites will be held at 5 p.m., with visitation from 6 to 7 p.m., and an Omega Omega ceremony at 7 p.m. All ceremonies are open to the public. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, November 18, at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St., Richmond, Va. 23220.