Funeral service for Attorney Alphonso Beckles will be Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.  He will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.  Interment will be in Oakwood Memorial Gardens.

Public Viewing:  Friday, January 6, 2023 ~ 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

To virtually watch Attorney Beckles' funeral service at Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church: https://boxcast.tv/channel/gf43lxpluja2puygrila

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Alphonso Beckles was born on the 1 ^st day of September 1942 in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. He is the son of the late Jutta Petersen Van Beverhoudt and Christian Beckles. On August 5 ^th , 1972. Alphonso married Gwendolyn Bowles Beckles in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is survived by: his wife, Gwendolyn Bowles Beckles; three daughters, Winifred Beckles Lewis (Milton), Andrea Beckles Tate, Janita Beckles, and one son Justin Beckles. A special daughter, Terri Ray. He is also survived by five grandchildren Bria Harris, Christian Tate, Garrison Lewis, Caitlyn Tate, and Gabriel Lewis. He is survived by his siblings Karen, Doris, Patricia, Dario, Marvin, Ettaly, Suzanne, Florine, and Bernard, and he was preceded in death by his siblings Gerald, Leon, Christian, Henry, and Mercedes.

Alphonso served in the United States Air Force and received an honorable discharge in 1968. He received his undergraduate degree from Fort Valley State University and received his Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern Law School in 1973. After receiving his Juris Doctorate, he began working for the federal government at Redstone Arsenal. He was also licensed to practice in both state and federal courts. In 1974 he opened his private practice in Huntsville, AL which was still in existence until the time of his passing. Alphonso wanted to fulfill his moral obligation by serving his community as an attorney. He was a board member for the United Negro College Fund local chapter, and he has received numerous awards and accolades from community and service organizations. He was the legal representative for JD Entertainment who hosted the Old School & Blues Festival for over 20 years. Alphonso will be remembered for the many acts of kindness he gave to others over the years.

Alphonso is known for his Caribbean-style dishes and eventually opened his own restaurant named Caribfest. After opening his restaurant, he catered many events throughout Huntsville, AL. His love for food led him to plant his own vegetables and herbs. Alphonso enjoyed gardening and planting anything from fruit trees and roses to lemongrass. He always wanted to showcase his work to anyone who stopped by to visit. Alphonso loved politics, following historical and current events, and he was always up for a good debate! He loved visiting his home and eating authentic Island cuisine. He loved watching sports and he always cheered for the underdog. Alphonso also enjoyed spending time and talking with his grandchildren about the future and making good decisions. He loved to play cards, trivia, and dominos with his best friends. He has a special love for animals especially dogs. Alphonso was a lifelong learner and always taught the importance of education to his children and to others.

Alphonso will be deeply missed by his immediate family, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, god-children, colleagues, and a host of friends.