Obituary of Bishop Earl K. Alexander Sr., 78

A Committal Celebration for Bishop Earl will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2020, at Faith Mission Church Cemetery in Marksville, LA. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only ten family members are permitted at the graveside. All other family members and friends may attend curbside, 6 feet apart, or may remain in their vehicles to view the service. Please keep the family lifted in prayer. ~Miller & Hill For Everything, There’s A Season…. A TIME TO BE BORN: Bishop, Earl K, Alexander, Sr, was born in Moreauville, Louisiana to the late Shedrach Alexander and Carrie Beatrice Franklin on August 8, 1941. A TIME TO PLANT: Brought up in a Christian family, Bishop, Earl was baptized in 1952, by the late Rev. Howard Thornton, Sr. at Moreauville Little Bayou, of Moreauville, Louisiana. Planting for God’s Kingdom, called to ministry at an early age, he obediently and faithfully sowed seeds into ministry. He faithfully served as Superintendent and Teacher of Sunday School, which he loved dearly, Choir member, Minister of Music, Church Secretary, as well as a Deacon for Mt. Pleasant, B.C. Bishop, Earl loved Spiritual music, thus faithfully he led the “Sunrise Travelers Quartet”. Evolving in his walk with God, he served and planted in the “Travelling Ministry in Avoyelles Parish” for many years, winning souls and evangelizing to many people, whom God saved. Just as God had called and equipped Bishop Earl with more and more measures of faith, he branched out into “Radio Ministry”, Hospital Ministry”, and “Prison Ministry” where many were able to hear and receive “God’s Good News” on a greater spectrum. Bishop Earl served many years as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Southeast 8th District Association (An Educational/ Community Service). In October 1963, Bishop Earl preached his first sermon at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church which he later became Pastor of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church for many years. A TIME TO BUILD: Bishop Earl attended high school in Avoyelles Parish, graduating from Mary Bethune High School in 1959. He furthered his calling as a minister by receiving his “Certificate of Ordination” on Nov. 20, 1965. Later on furthered his studies in Theology, by completing and honorably fulfilling the requirements, in receiving a “Doctor of Theology” (Nov 8, 1968), “Bachelor of Theology” (May 1977), as well as a “Doctor of Divinity” (May 1977). Yet, Bishop’s Earl’s greatest attainment has always been God’s degree which was the fulfillment of the Holy Ghost by which he received at the early age of 19 years. Building in his life, Bishop Earl did community carpentry (window screens), insurance sales, Quality Lumber Yard, as well as he worked with Wildlife & Fisheries. No job was too menial, in ministry or community! It was quite obvious that Bishop Earl had a love for Jesus and ministry! Therefore, on April 13, 1969, Bishop Earl opened the doors of Baptist Faith Mission Church Outreach, “The Little Church that Blesses So Many!”. Bishop Earl maintained this ministry while serving in all capacities deemed necessary. As God began to lead others to the ministry, and “gifts & fruits of the Spirit“ began to manifest, Bishop Earl followed in obedience, nurturing these souls through the work of God’s Holy Spirit. Over 50 men and women of God have gone forth establishing ministries for God. While serving Baptist Faith Mission Church Outreach, a move of the Holy Ghost, had Bishop Earl to move out and serve Washington Chapel of Baytown, TX for over 38 years, on a weekly basis faithfully. Bishop Earl served Baptist Faith Mission Church Outreach for 55 years, as Pastor/ Bishop / Ambassador. Based on the unforeseen illness he was led by the Spirit to appoint a new pastor to oversee the ministry in Jan.2015, yet he remained active in the church until his illness affected his strength in Jan.2020. A TIME TO LOVE: He entered into love and holy matrimony with Linda Alexander on November 7, 1964. To this union, seven children were born. A TIME TO DIE: Bishop Earl K. Alexander, Sr., bravely returned to God on Friday, April 24, 2020, quietly at home in Alexandria, Louisiana. A TIME TO WEEP: Bishop Earl’s parents, Shedrach and Carrie Beatrice Alexander; brothers, Floyd and Joe Alexander. A TIME TO MOURN: Left to cherish his memories is his wife of 56 years, Linda L. Alexander; his sons, Earl Jr. (Andrea), Mark K, Jason (Cassandra); daughters, Angela A, McDowell, Vanessa Alexander, Tammy Caldwell (Victor), and Stephanie Alexander. His grandchildren: Jerikalen, Desmond, Ashley, Breandra, Antonio, Allie, Aija, Ian, Lexie, Javon, Markus, and Mason; four great-grandchildren: Amia, Cali, Israel, and Nolan; Sisters: Apostle –Pastor June (Barry) Barton, (children: Latelle J., Pastor John, Michael, & Dorcas), Marilyn Anderson, Janet (Horace) Wicker, (children: Jay & Randy), sister-in-law: Margie (Floyd), brothers: Vernon (Carrie) & Larry Alexander; and a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, godchildren, nieces, nephew, cousins, and many Special sons and daughters in the Lord.