Life’s Reflections
Elder
Elder Dr. Alfred J. Burford, Jr., was born on January 20, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Mr. Alfred John Burford, Sr. and Mrs. Clara M. Burford. He accepted Christ at an early age at Vollentine Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W.C. Fields, Jr. Later in life, he united with Christ Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. Gina Marcia Stewart, where he remained a faithful and devoted member.
Elder Burford graduated from Manassas High School with the Class of 1970. He briefly attended Tennessee State University before enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant and received an honorable discharge. He enjoyed a distinguished career with Kellogg’s Company before retiring. A lifelong learner, he pursued higher education with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, a Bachelor of Arts in Bible, a Master of Biblical Studies, and both a Master’s and Doctorate in Commissioner Science.
Elder Burford’s greatest passions were his faith, his family, and his service to others. He cherished traveling the world with his loving wife of 32 years, Minister Ester Burford. Together they attended Bible college and received their ministry licenses. He was incredibly proud of his children’s accomplishments and made sure everyone he knew heard about them: Nathan, a Sergeant with the Memphis Police Department (MPD); Yolanda, dedicated to completing her B/A; Kelvin, who served in the military; Alberta, who proudly followed the family tradition by working at Kellogg’s; Alfred III, who serves in security; and Toya in global HR. Deeply committed to the Boy Scouts of America, Elder Burford not only served with distinction but also inspired his wife, Ester, to join him in Scouting. He was appointed Wood Badge Assistant Course Director and received numerous honors, including the Scouter’s Key, District Award of Merit, Religious Award, Scoutmaster Award of Merit, and the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. Under his loving guidance, several of his grandchildren and nephew achieved significant milestones in Scouting. He found special joy in raising and mentoring his grandson, young Tayden McIntyre, whom he lovingly called his “best buddy.” The two were quite the comical pair—glued to the news seeking the next big event. Once they spotted an event, there was no stopping them: cheering at Harlem Globetrotters games, rocking monster truck rallies, all things dinosaur, or turning every school break into grand expeditions by plane, train, or cruise. They became local legends at eateries, stores, and parks, where everyone knew that if “Best Buddy” and Mr. Alfred were out together, fun, laughter, and a touch of mischief were guaranteed. A man of compassion and integrity, he looked after widows and children in his neighborhood. During his illness, many young people inquired about him regularly, most notably Ms. Clara’s great-grandchildren Ca’Mya and Cameron Weaver. Though under the age of ten, they took it upon themselves to help secure the house and could often be heard yelling across the fence with great authority, “Mr. Alfred isn’t home!”—a heartfelt and humorous reminder of how deeply he was loved by the little ones in his neighborhood. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mrs. Clara Johnson; his father, Mr. Alfred J. Burford, Sr.; his granddaughter, Kiarra Burford; his sister, Mrs. Barbara A. Williams; and his son, Mr. Mario Moore. He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife, Minister Ester Burford; his stepmother, Mrs. Jo E. Burford; his children: Frances Burford-Grigsby, Nathan (Lateshia), Kelvin (Lauren), Alfred III, Alberta, Toya (Anthony) Cheairs; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; his sister, Valerie (Steve) Fondren; his brothers: Carlton (Bernetta), Derek (Joyce), and Steven (Stelina); sister-in-law Annie Vaughn; brothers-inlaw Joseph (Althea) Jones, Benjamin Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.
Order of Service
Friday, May 15, 2026 11:00 A.M.
Christ Missionary Baptist Church
1480 South Parkway East • Memphis, Tennessee 38106
Reverend Dr. Gina M. Stewart, Senior Pastor
Processional......................................................................The Family of Elder Dr. Alfred J. Burford, Jr.
Scripture Readings:
The Old Testament..................................................................................Reverend Terence Smith
The New Testament.............................................................................Reverend Dr. Connita Hill
Prayer......................................................................................................Reverend Dr. Nadolyn Dunigan
Musical Selection.................................................................................................CMBC Music Ministry
Expressions of Love
(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please) Jake Mickens - Kellogg’s
Chuck Schadrack - Boy Scouts of America
Deacon Anthony Johnson - CMBC Family
Pastor Dr. Carlton Burford - Family
Musical Selection............................................................................................Evangelist Juanita Brown
Words of Comfort..........................................................................................Reverend Dr. Chuck Lester
Musical Selection...............................................CMBC Music Ministry
Eulogy.....................................................Reverend Dr. Gina M. Stewart
Military Honors
Recessional
In every sunrise and every sea we sailed, Your hand in mine, my heart was safely held. You filled my days with laughter, faith, and light— My dearest love, my soul’s eternal delight. Rest in God’s peace, my beloved, until we meet again.Your Loving Wife, Ester
Acknowledgements ~
We thank you for sharing with us during our time of bereavement. Though we are sad today, we will continue to look toward the hills which cometh our help, for all our help cometh from the Lord.
Thank you CMBC for your unwavering support during Elder Dr. Alfred Burford Jr.’s illness; and Rev Terence Smith for continuously standing in the gap. Thank you for all the acts of kindness shown through prayers, visits, cards, flowers and calls. May the Lord bless and richly reward each of you.
The Family of Alfred John Burford, Jr.
Honorary Pallbearers ~ RCC
Active Pallbearers ~ Nathan Burford, Jr. Christopher Henderson
Dontavious Tuggle Anthony Fleming, Jr.
Committal Rites & Interment ~ Monday, May 18, 2026 • 10:00 A.M. West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Escorts ~ Memphis Police Department ~ Floral Arrangements ~ AD Florist Unlimited 901.859.4545
Services by
www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com
