Michael Alston Sr.

MICHAEL ALSTON, SR, was born to the late Shirley Mae Alston on December 9, 1954, in Baltimore, MD and was welcomed into our Lord and Savior's everlasting embrace on June 28, 2022.

Michael received his education from the Baltimore City Public School System. He graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in 1972 where he was a great athlete. After High School, he began a 44 year career with the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and was affectionately known by many as the "gas man". 

Michael was known for his outgoing personality and love for his family. he married Merrial J. Purnell on August 20, 1994. Deeply in love and inseparable, they would actively seek out adventures and enjoyed a long, happy life together. Their union formed a blended family where each child and grandchild were treasured, and there was no doubt that he cherished every moment with his family. Because Michael was a kid at heart, essentially all kids adored him and hid fun nature. With such a big and caring heart, he was quick to help those in need with whatever resources he had available.

Michael had an active social calendar, often spending time with family and friends or attending events and festivals. He had a vibrant personality, an infectious laugh, and always had jokes which energized any space he occupied. He was a roller coaster enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, and the ultimate movie and music aficionado. While Michael enjoyed all genres of music, he loved the smooth sounds of jazz with Maysa being his favorite artist. Michael was full of fun, adventure, jokes and silly sayings. He loved to tell stories, travel, play softball, swim and challenge anyone to eat more steamed crabs than him. Michael's strong athletic prowess and love of his favorite sport, softball, continued well into his later years. While playing several positions for both the Hustlers and the Poets teams, he enjoyed great success there, with many trophies being awarded.

Michael was a very strong-willed person, but he loved fiercely and deeply. Michael will be desperately missed by all those that knew and loved him. He was one of a kind and to be loved by him was truly a blessing. We take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace. His presence, smile, laughter and big heart will be greatly missed. 

Michael leaves behind to cherish his memory: his wife Merrial; his daughters, Angie (Anthony) Dawson, Dikesha (Rodney) Williams, LaSandra Purnell and LaRae' (Jermaine) Winter; daughter-in-law, Ashley; grandchildren, Amiah Tilley, Kaylen Alston, Rodney Williams, III, Ky'Ley Alston, Dallas Reeder and Kari Reeder and Kamry'n Alston; nieces, Ikisha Ruggs and Shamika Ruggs, a nephew/son, Tyrone Purnell; aunts, Ada White and Delores Bowers; three sister-in-laws, Terry, Denise, Marcina Purnell; five brother-in-laws, Leon, Stephen, Gregory, Eric and Grayling and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his; grandmother Nellie Brandon; mother-in-law Betty Purnell; son Michael Alston, Jr.; and brother Shelton Alston.

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