Gone But Not Forgotten

Alvin Culpepper aka Ali M. El-. Mohammed III

March I2, 1944 - December l2, 2OO2

On March 12, 1944 in Monroe, Louisiana (Alvin Culpepper) who changed his name to Ali M. El-Mohammed lll was welcomed into the world by his parents, Lucille and Alvin, His childhood was spent in Monroe where he attended elementary and secondary schools.(Alvin) Ali was very proud of his participation in the civil rights movement of the 60's when he was a community /voters rights organizer for CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. ln 1965 he moved to New York City where he attended New York University, receiving multiple degrees including A.A. Social Work, B.S. Secondary Education, MA Black Studies in Education and a MSW Clinical Social Work (ACSW). His formal education was completed upon receiving a PhD in Social Psychology from Columbia Pacific University.(Alvin) Ali was a practicing psychotherapist in private practice at the Hillside Center for Behavioral Services, Flint, Ml. On March 23, 1974 in Puerto Prince, Haiti he was married to Musette Bell with whom he moved to' Kalamazoo MI in 1980, He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, Musette, two daughters: Angela (Oak Park, lL), Aliah (Dallas, TX); two sons: Christopher (Jacksonville, FL) and Ali "Mo" lV (Indianapolis, lN); 2 granddaughters: Leah and Emma and daughter-in-law Teri; three sisters: Hester, Donna Johnson, Dewanna , a brother, Butch, and very special son, Stephen, as well as many loving family members and friends around the world. A member of St. Martin of Tours for 21 years, (Alvin) Ali served on the Altar Guild and was known for the best hugs at the peace. He was also a passionate soccer fan and served as team manager to the 1977 TKO Soccer Club, Known for his vigorous insistence on fairness and suspicion of official6, one of his favorite retorts was "Ray Charles would have seen that foul!" (Alvin) Ali was a strong believer in education as a means to independence and fulfillment, he was especially proud that all of his children obtained college educations and were well positioned to make significant contributions to the communities in which they live. He was the consummate dad and soul mate - a giving, loving, "ever present" whose great smile, deep laugh and "don't cheat yourself' acclamation will forever be a part of all those fortunate to have shared his life.