Virtie L. Alston

VIRTIE L. ALSTON was born on November 1, 1936 in Halifax, Virginia to the late Fannie Bowman Jordan and William C. Jordan, Sr. Virtie was one of six siblings. On December 21, 2015, she suddenly transitioned from earth to her heavenly home.

As a young child, Virtie's family moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she was raised with her brothers, James(Jimmy), William(Jerry), Robert, Napoleon(Bunk)and Charles. She was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System.

On June 30, 1962, Virtie married the love of her life, Joseph Earl Rome Alston and together they reared four beautiful daughters, Karol, Sheila, Charotte and Jamie(who preceded her in death). Virtie was a devoted wife, mother and friend to everyone she touched.

Virtie accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age; and as she matured, so did her desire to have a closer relationship with God. In 1952, she was baptized under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Simon Williamson at Faith Baptist Church. She faithfully participated in the following ministries: Baptist Training Union(BTU), Women's Chorus, Sunday School and the Women's League Ministry. Virtie passionately loved her church and especially enjoyed singing the 'old hymns that ministered to her in a special way. She enjoyed all hymns, but was partial to her favorite, which was 'The Solid Rock'.

Virtie was known for her delicious cooking, quick wit and candor. Although she spoke with words of 'conviction and truth', her demeanor exemplified the 'gentleness and meekness' of a lamb. She kept an immaculate house and let it be known that the dining and living rooms were off limits. She loved her girls with a passion and spent her life letting them know they were blessings from God. She made no excuses for her children, if anyone of them was wrong she told them so, and would often tell them,' I don't care how old you are, I will always be your mother and I will tell you when you are right and when you are wrong.

Virtie was a 'jack of all trades' and indeed, a 'master of many'. She was a great financier and was skillful in transforming $5 into $50. She was extremely humorous and imparted many words of wisdom to her children. Some of them included: 'It is not how much money you make; it is what you do with the money you make'. As family, we must look out for each other because, 'Teeth and tongue may fall out, but family sticks together.

Virtie was a self-employed licensed day care provider for over thirty three years. She had the opportunity to nurture many children and create lasting relationships with their parents. Most importantly, she always seized every opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ with her day care children and their parents.

As her children matured and family demands intensified, Virtie adopted another vocation as a dormitory 'House Mother' at Morgan State University. While there, her love for children continued to thrive; and of course, Virtie, again, had many enchanting stories to share about some of the students on campus, when reporting incidents to the authorities. When she gave an incident report to the police, it could be very funny. What a blessing it was to have a mother whose life, love and legacy touched so many people.

In 2009, her first grandson, Alton Jamie Rogers(AJ)was born. She loved AJ-whom she affectionately called 'JJ', -with a passion. She often told his mother, Charlotte, 'Don't let that boy's hand go in the store.' 'You better watch him'. 'You better not leave him in the car alone'. 'Do you hear what I am telling you?' Her guidance and advice NEVER STOPPED! Her love and wisdom will be eternally remembered in the hearts and minds of all who were blessed to know her.

Virtie leaves to cherish her memory: her husband of 53 years, Joseph Earl Rome Alston, three daughters, Karol, Sheila, Charlotte (LaFonza), one grandson, Alston Jamie Rogers and four adopted grandchildren, Brittni, Samant, Benjamin Youngblood and Gena Smith. In addition to her husband, children and grandchildren, she leaves a brother, William D. 'Jerry' Jordan ; aunt, Hazel Marie Gray; four sister-in-laws, Gertrude Lewis, Adele Israel, Josephine Alston and Shirley Jordan; three brother-in-laws, Lloyd M. Alston, Edgar C. Green Sr. and Calvin M. Israel; one God-daughter, Dawn O. Israel; one adopted son, Ricardo Youngblood; a special lifelong friend, Juanita Carver and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Preceding Virtie in death were her beloved daughter, Jamie; her brothers, Jimmy, Robert, Napoleon and Charles and a special sister-in-law, Claretta B. Green.