James Alston

Belle Glade, Florida to work as a seasonal farm worker, where he met and married the love of his life, Mildred (Wilkerson).

He remained in Belle Glade working as a farmer for almost thirty years. His first job was working at the food packing house in Belle Glade. Later he labored in the fields harvesting fruits and vegetables. Eventually, he was hired by Mace Sod Company, where he remained for the duration of his work history. A hard worker and proven leader, he held various positions while at Mace Sod Company, which included tractor driver, bus driver, and ultimately supervisor. He was affectionately named “Parker” by his friends on the job. After dedicating almost three decades of good and faithful service to the success of the Mace Sod Company, James retired in 1991, and moved to Fort Myers. He joined Saint Mary Missionary Baptist Church under the late Reverend Thomas Brown, and where the current pastor Reverend Tommy Brown presides. James was known as an early riser – he woke up at the crack of dawn every morning! Some might say that he woke up with the roosters and went to sleep with them too! Most who knew and loved him can attest that he appreciates a good cup of coffee…or two.

A loving husband and dedicated partner, James would often accompany his lovely wife Mildred fishing, and she glows to this day as she reflects that in their 50 years of marriage, he never said “No”! James’ parents were the late Samuel (Sam) Alston and Rosie Ella (Green) Alston. He had three sisters, Minnie Thompson of SC, Mary Alston Pittman, and Martha Alston of NY, and five brothers, Joseph (Chester) of SC, Herman Alston of Belle Glade, FL, and Edward Alston, Adam Alston and Joseph Alston, all preceded in death.

James leaves to mourn the lovely queen of his life, Mildred Alston of Fort Myers, FL, daughters, Aldrana Seymour (Fred) of Charleston, SC, Vivian Bain of Cincinnati, OH, Josephine Kellman (deceased), Julia (deceased) and Linda J. Oliver (Frank) of Syracuse, NY, and sons, Sharief Thabit, Eugene Donaldson, Earl Donaldson (deceased) and Carnell Donaldson of Fort Myers, FL. He also leaves 19 grand children: Deemaynard Seymour (Millicent), Certa James (Raynard), Chastity Allen (Shane) all of Charleston, SC, Laverne Rutledge (Vince) of Cincinnati, OH, Patricia Chastity Allen (Shane) all of Charleston, SC; Laverne Rutledge (Vince) of Cincinnati, OH, Patricia Olgesby of Fort Myers, FL, Zelvas Bain (deceased), Carmelita Sullivan of Clay, NY, Shareef Thabit II, of Fort Myers, FL, Bonnie Davis of Pahokee, FL, Larry Sullivan of Georgia, Vickie Donaldson, Arnetta Davis, and Jean Davis of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Keith Rose of Binghamton, NY, Keyon (Beatrice) Thompson of Fort Myers, FL, Kesha Wilson and Kesa P. Adjima of Syracuse, NY, Tyquili R. Booker (DeWuan) of MD, and Leavie Donaldson, Jr. of Syracuse, NY, and a host of great grand and great-great grandchildren. Most importantly, his family is comforted in knowing that the Husband, Father, Uncle Grandfather, and Great Grandfather that they knew as James, “Parker”, and “Monkman” loved the Lord, and are thankful for the example he lived!