Alan Ambrister was born February 15, 1956 in New York City, New York to the late Irma Ambrister. Alan was the second of three children, Edith Ambrister Crawford and Elizabeth Graham. Being the only boy, Alan was an early adventurer. He was overwhelmingly surrounded by sisters and aunts, but grew up with love and respect for all of them.
Alan spent his early childhood in Miami and Richmond Heights, Fla. Alan was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Miami, Fla., where he was baptized and a member of the choir. Attending F.C. Martin Elementary, Richmond Heights Jr High and Miami Killian Sr. High. He participated in various school activities Basketball, Football, Track and Field excelling in all. Graduating in 1974, Alan decided he would discover the world.
Leaving home to attend a HBCU, Langston University in Oklahoma, Alan continued to flourish. Being an avid reader, his knowledge allowed him to touch and speak on many topics such as religion, politics, social injustice, civic irregularities, and sports. One of his notable achievements was pledging Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He truly believed in his Omega brothers and his Langston U family where he remained an active Alumnus in the Langston University Alumni Association (LUAA). Alan graduated in 1979 with a B.S. Social Science.
In his travels Alan met and married Patrice Grantham. Together they raised three children; Alan Bradley and Laura Irma and step daughter Courtenay Phelps. Some of Alan’s accomplishments included being an Elementary School Teacher, Basketball Coach, Civic/Social activist, Voter Registration Supporter. Experiencing the ups and downs of life’s path, there was no job too large or small that Alan would not accept the challenge.
In association with the House of Refuge in Phoenix, AZ, he held various positions. Enjoying his residency in Tallahassee, FL, he attended and worked for Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Finally moving to Rockledge, FL, he continued his journey; attending many churches with friends and loved ones. He loved every minute of experiencing his many adventures and remembering his life. He would admit he wasn’t perfect and that he had made mistakes; but he thanked God for every one of them and for each day he was given. He tried to share his joy for life with everyone he met.
So now he’s stepped into the Sunset.
A memorial celebration for Alan will be held Friday, May 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, Florida.
Livestream will be available at https://youtube.com/live/7Xy_yHWaWp8?feature=share
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