Dea. Alvin Bernard Stanford

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest; Lay down, O weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast.”

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whispered to Alvin Bernard Stanford, “Well done, My good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of thy Lord.” He heeded the call of the Lord to rest from his labor.

Alvin Benard Stanford was warmly welcomed into the embrace of his loving parents, Alvin Brown and Debra Stanford, on March 30, 1973. Bernard was known by many in the community as “Swap.” He attended Central Elementary High School in Talbotton, Georgia. He was a member of the graduating Class of 1991. He was raised in the Flint Hill Community, known by its residents as Across the Mountain.

He was a lifetime member of Valley Grove Baptist Church. He served under the past leadership of Pastor Curtis. He continued to serve faithfully under the leadership of Bishop Jimmie Copeland. Deacon Alvin Bernard Stanford has served in the capacity of choir member, Youth Outreach Ministry supporter and Deacon.

Alvin was joined in holy matrimony to Michele Harris on December 21, 1996, even though there were no biological children together, God entrusted him with several children to love and guide as a father.

Alvin enjoyed working in his community. He started a construction business which he named Arc. This name represented the unified work efforts of he and his brothers: Alvin, Rodrick and Cedric. Alvin worked at Georgia Pacific Lumber Company for the past 15 years. Alvin’s family affectionately called him “B”. There was no misunderstanding of how passionately he loved his family. At numerous family events, he took the opportunity to remind family members of his love for them. He always encouraged the family to continue loving each other. He was truly an advocate for his family. At several family events, he spoke of the importance of preparing the younger generation to accept and carry the torch lit by those before him. He praised those who were foundational in teaching the family to love and support each other.

He is proceeded in death by a host of aunts and uncles.

He now passes his torch to his wife, Minister Dr. Michele Renee Stanford, to continue his legacy of love, compassion, commitment, and patience. His legacy will be remembered in the hearts and minds of his parents: Alvin Brown (Dorothy) of Shiloh, Georgia and Debra McDowell (Tony) of Manchester, Georgia. His legacy of love will linger in the experiences he shared with his siblings: Rodrick Brown and Cedric Stanford of Manchester, Georgia; Lance Brown of Shiloh, Georgia; and Avia Brown of Statesboro, Georgia. He leaves beautiful memories with his extended family members: Willie Mae Harris (mother-in-law), Henry Harris, Jr., Mary Henley, Tommy Harris, Evangelist Shirley Byrd, Tyrone Harris (Betty), Anthony Harris and Derrick Harris. His

loving kindness will forever remain impressed in the hearts of the children God charged him to Father: Travis and Sherry Thomas-McClure, Kiandra Copeland, Davondria Owens, Jamila Jenkins, Davion Slaton and Jhada Waller. Those he affectionately called his grand-men and grand-ladies: Kameron White, Nylah Owens, Cameron Smith, Ca’Meiah Smith and Ian Swan. Robert Wise, a faithful business partner and Lester Turner, a devoted worker and friend. His uncles and aunts: Riley Stanford (Betty), Tammy Horton (Anthony), Patty Stanford, Debra Stanford, Betty Jones (Gabriel), Jackie Waller, LaShanda Brown and Mamie Holt. A host of devoted cousins, nieces, nephews and friends will carry his memory forever.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.