Alvin Sylvester Little was born to Almira Friday Little, and Charlie Little on September 8, 1935, in Winston-Salem, NC. Alvin is the 5th child of eight sib-lings – the late James Little, Geraldine Little Stimpson, Charline Little Tillery, Leroy Little, and Samuel Little. He is survived by his remaining siblings, Nathaniel Little and Patricia Little Picart.

Alvin had a joyous and adventurous childhood. His siblings provided fun and excitement, as they were each other's confidantes, protectors as well as their own athletic team. Each of the siblings excelled academically and was industrious in various occupations. Their father Charlie passed away in 1939 at a young age, and their mother Almira held the family together and made certain they all were tight-knit and took good care of one another. Almira was small in stature but powerful in motherhood.

Alvin attended 14th Street Grade School, Atkins High School, and graduated from Carver High School. He was active in sports and played on the basketball teams at both schools. He was also known for his track and field skills, as were all his siblings. Alvin took a great deal of pride in each of his siblings' talents, often boasting of their talents – whether it was James on the organ, Charlene's vocals, or his pride in their athletics and academics – "Sammy" with the historic Winston-Salem Pond Giants all-Black baseball team, Nathaniel and Leroy's football and basketball prowess, and his sisters Geraldine, Charlene and Pat's academics.

Alvin had a knack for golf, as he caddied as a young man, and then developed his game, becoming a strong contender and trophy winner. Alvin played with his brothers and buddies well into his senior years.

Upon graduating from high school, Alvin enlisted in the United States Navy. While he worked honorably in various naval divisions that included driving the LCVP - Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel, or "Higgins" Navy patrol boats, he especially enjoyed traveling to different states and countries around the world. Some of those destinations and deployments were San Diego, California, Oahu (Pearl Harbor) Hawaii, Okinawa, Japan, Hong Kong, and Guam.

He boasted that the ships he was assigned to were heavy fighting machines with remarkable firepower. Those ships were the LST (Landing Ship Tank) Plumas County, and the USS Terrell County.

When Alvin became a civilian again, he married the beautiful Joan Mackins in 1962. Their union has lasted six memorable decades, as they took care of each other. Alvin took special pride in and loved all of his devoted nieces and nephews – the children of his siblings. He knew them all by name, as well as their children, and played an essential part in their daily lives.

Alvin was also the father of his namesake, Alvonia Sylvera, also known as Beverly Robinson (Odell Robinson). Their father-daughter relationship was filled with the greatest of love and devotion and withstood the test of time and distance. From Alvonia's birth, Alvin fought to be part of Alvonia's life. Alvin was Alvonia's hero. He loved her fiercely, and she loved him without fail. Alvin was the proud grandfather to Carmen Robinson and Christopher (Veronica) Robinson. He was the great-grandfather to Carsen Alvonia Robinson and Chancellor Odell Robinson, with whom he cherished spending time. He often stated that "it is a blessing to live long enough to be a great-grandfather. I feel like I will live forever through my great grands." Alvin enjoyed a close and loving relationship with his dedicated son-in-law, Odell. They enjoyed clever banter, quality time spent together, and a good game of horseshoe.

Alvin was filled with wit and worldly and Godly wisdom. He dispensed sound advice, sometimes with a wink and chuckle. He was a dapper dresser who took pride in his appearance. At any time, anyone who dropped by his home would find him "dressed to the nines" in his favorite Joseph A. Bank apparel. The salespersons at Joseph A. Bank knew him well and respected his taste for fashion. Alvin was an amazing storyteller, with the ability to recall dates, places, occasions, celebrations, and people without hesitation. His mind remained sharp and clever. Alvin Sylvester Little will be missed by his church family from New Bethel Baptist Church, his golfing buddies, and his neighbors, but especially, by his loving family.

Public viewing from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Friday, February 3, 2023 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service 11:30 AM, Saturday, February 4, 2023 at New Bethel Baptist Church 1016 N. Trade Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to service. Interment in Salisbury National Cemetery.

For a copy of funeral program click here