Alfonso Sandifer Obituary

Friday, May 10, 2019 • 12:00 PM Words of Wisdom Christian Center 420 38th Street • Columbus, Georgia 31904

REV. DONALD WOODS, OFFICIANT • REVEREND REBECCA JONES, EULOGIST

the Obituary

Alfonso Sandifer, Sr.

was born on May 13, 1969 in the Windy City, Chicago, Illinois, to his beloved mother, Alletta Epinger, and the late Robert Armour. He spent the majority of his childhood in the Midwest and was even affectionately called “Chicago” when he later moved to Georgia because of his profound love for the city of his birth and his many fond and adventurous memories. Fonso was an exemplary big brother to his younger siblings, an avid sports enthusiast, and jokester even at a young age.

In 1987, he met the love of his life, Cassandra Williams.

They dated briefly while both teens attended Hardaway High School in Columbus, Georgia. In 1988, he spent a short stent in Florida, where he ultimately graduated from high school; however, Fonso always considered Hardaway his alma mater. Following graduation, he relocated back to Columbus and reunited Cassandra, eventually welcoming their daughter, Kenesha, to the world. Alfonso was also the proud father of another daughter, Kadijah, and his namesake, Alfonso Sandifer, Jr. Alfonso enlisted in the United States Army and served in the National Guard, where he received several achievement medals and awards. He was honorably discharged after defending the Nation’s freedom in both Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. After his tours of duty, he also served as personal security for Xernona Clayton, founder of the Trumpet Awards, for several years, and was a personal driver for several well-known celebrities. He was also an ordained deacon at Life in Abundance Fellowship Church in Birmingham, Alabama and was a member of the St. James Lodge #4, Prince Hall affiliation in Athens, Georgia.

Alfonso was always ready to help a friend in need. He was a pillar of courage and strength for his family. Because he was good with his hands, an oil change or even home repairs weren’t out of the question for him, even on short notice.

Alfonso had a charismatic personality, a larger-than-life laugh and enjoyed fishing and riding his motorcycle in his spare time, among other hobbies. A true sports aficionado, he loved rooting for his Pittsburg Steelers.

During the Fall of 2018, his health began to decline, but whether in the hospital or at home, he still made an effort to be strong and dependable. Alfonso kept the faith, even during some of the most trying times of his life. He was an encourager, friend and brother until the very end. Alfonso loved hard, and his family and friends surrounded him with prayers, visits and phone calls throughout his health battle. And what can be said of his wife? Cassandra never left Fonso’s side. Even when she would have to drive over four hours round trip, while maintaining a household and working, she was always there. She epitomized the marital vows — in sickness and in health, ...for better or for worse, ...to love and to cherish ...‘til death do us part.

Alfonso’s incredible smile, encouraging words and witty sense of humor will certainly be missed by all who had the pleasure of encountering him. He transitioned from this life to eternity during the early morning hours of April 29, 2019. Alfonso was predeceased by his father, Robert Armour, and his first grandson, Sampson Carter Jackson.

Alfonso leaves to cherish and celebrate his memory — his wife, Cassandra Sandifer; two daughters, Kenesha and Kadijah; a son, Alfonso, Jr.; his mother, Alletta Epinger; four brothers, Robert Armour, Dewanye Armour, Lamar (Erica) Sandifer, and Adam (Joslyn) Sandifer, Sr.; a sister, Lanitra (Derrick) Sandifer; mothers-in-law, Lawanna Williams and Rosanna Clark; two brothers-in-law, Wilson (Tanisha) Williams and James (Erica) Williams, Jr.; four sisters-in-law, Shemeeka (Stephen) Williams-Austin, Cecily (Antwon) Williams-Grant, Karen (Al) Williams and Twyna Williams; three nephews Lajayvion Menefee, LaQuayvion Menefee, and Adam “Eli” Sandifer, Jr.; two nieces, Shannon Menefee, and Zoe Sandifer; and a host of loving cousins and friends.

the Order of Service

Processional...................................................................................................................... Rev. Donald Woods Prayer................................................................................................................................ Rev. Donald Woods Scripture Reading Old Testament................................................................................................. Rev. Rebecca Jones New Testament............................................................................................. Rev. Donald Woods Selection...................................................................................................................Rev. Christopher Wallace Acknowledgements Selection...................................................................................................................Rev. Christopher Wallace Tributes................................................................................................................................... 2 minutes please Sermonic Hymn.....................................................................................................Rev. Christopher Wallace Eulogy................................................................................................................................. Rev. Rebecca Jones Recessional..............................................................................................................Rev. Christopher Wallace

Love Me and Let Me Go To my family:

I know that you are sad and I know that you are in shock,

But I am Alright now. It is ok to have your moments, its ok to cry. But I want you to love me and let me go.

Letting go does not mean that you cannot remember all of the good times that we shared. All of the reunions, all of the holidays, and all of the celebrations, and most of all the love we shared.

Love me and let me go.

Thank You

The family of Mr. Alfonso Sandifer, Sr. wishes to express our sincere appreciation for the cards, e-mails, text messages, floral condolences and other expressions of sympathy extended during our bereavement. They have helped immeasurably in lightening our burden of sadness. We want each of you to know we shall forever remain grateful for your kindness and thoughtfulness.

Pallbearers Wilson Williams

Antwon Grant

Andre Parker

Derrick Butler

Jamal Fleming

Quinton Person

Interment

Fort Mitchell National Cemetery 553 Alabama, 165 • Fort Mitchell, Alabam 36856

Professional Services Entrusted to Huff International Funeral Home

927 5th Avenue Columbus, Georgia 31901

Memorial Tribute Program by: Jaylite Publications, LLC jaylite1225@gmail.com