ALFRED ORLANDO ALSTON

Deacon Alfred Orlando Alston, affectionately known as "Al" by his family and friends,
was born on Wednesday, October 11, 1950, to the late Orlando Alston and Mary
Catherine Stewart. He departed this life on Thursday, October 29, 2020, after a short
battle with lung cancer. Al succumbed to his illness at Capital Caring Health Center in
Lanham, Maryland.
A native Washingtonian, Al was educated in DC Public Schools. Although he thought
he was a city slicker, he was given the nickname "Farmer" because he often spent time
with his Uncle Lee (his twin) on Lee's farm in King George, Virginia. Like Lee, he was a
jokester and prankster, and in the company of his cousin Derrick Butler and best
friends Gilbert Turner and Michael Clark, you were treated to a "bootleg" version of
The Kings of Comedy!
Because he was strong-willed and unwilling to follow directions, he was determined
to be his own boss. His entrepreneurial spirit led him down various career paths. He
was a cab driver and telecommunications company owner, but it was his stepfather
Joe Stewart who introduced him to what would become his legacy – the funeral
business. Al's reputation preceded him and he was often sought out because families
were confident in the care and services they would receive.
In 1991, he met the love of his life Sabrina "Beenee" Taylor; they married in 2005.
After worshiping at several churches, Al joined and led many family members to the
Forestville New Redeemer Forestville Baptist Church. He was ordained as a Deacon
on March 31, 2012.
Al was an enthusiastic Washington Redskins fan and an avid political debater. He was
very stubborn and opionated, but very dependable. He had a tough exterior, but was a
big ole softie. If he loved you, you knew it. You could always depend on him.
Al leaves to cherish fond memories, his loving and devoted wife, Beenee; two
daughters, Sherrell Stewart (James) and Wykiki Alston; one son, Juan Foster (Kelay);
one sister Denise Boyd; two sisters-in-love, Shirley Liggins (William) and Sandra
Taylor; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous family and
friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Shanita "Nita" Taylor in 2018