Mr. Chess Alexander

Chess Alexander, His Journey. Rare indeed are men of courage, integrity and strength who live their lives far above the problems that beset most. We were blessed to share our lives with one such man, Chess Alexander. Chess was the third of four children born to Jessie Dickey Alexander and Silas Alexander in Atlanta, Georgia. His family later moved to Eatonton, Georgia, where he was reared and received his primary and secondary education. While attending Eatonton High School, Chess played basketball and was popular with his classmates. After graduating from high school, Chess was drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served as a Corporal during the Korean War. Following the war, he received an honorable discharge. Due to greater job opportunities, Chess later moved to Detroit where he attended Shaw College and Michigan Barber College. After several years of working as a barber, he began his career with General Motors Corporation where he was employed for 28 years, before retiring as a supervisor. During this time, he married Doris Williams of South Carolina. To this union, three years later a beautiful daughter, Mona Linda, was born. The couple was happily married until Doris’ untimely death. Several years later, Chess met and married Frances Tutt of Augusta, GA. They were soul mates as well as helpmates. They loved, encouraged, and were supportive of each other. Her love and devotion was evident as she cared for him continuously through his extended illness. She never left his side. As a result of this love another beautiful daughter, La Shawn Monique, was born. When asked if he wished he had a boy he said, “You don’t pick babies like you pick cars.” And because of God’s grace, Chess was blessed with two grandsons and to see a black president elected. He was grateful to spend time with all of his grandchildren. God sustained him to be able to enjoy time with his youngest grandchild, Lauren Alana Nichols. In addition to being a loving family man, Chess was a devout man of God and was dedicated to his church. He professed his love and faith in God many years ago and lived his life according to Christian values, which were evidenced though his daily life and interactions with all whom he came in contact. Chess was reared in a religious home, where his parents were excellent Christian role models, his mother served as the church secretary and his father was a soloist at St. Paul A.M.E. Church. During his youth, he was a member of the choir and served on the usher board. In his adult years, Chess affiliated with the Ebenezer AME church and was a dependable church member. He was encouraged to run for the position of trustee by Bishop “Bob” Thomas. He served as a trustee until his health declined and was no longer able to actively serve. Due to his years of dedicated service, Ebenezer bestowed him with the honored position of Trustee Emeritus. In addition to serving as trustee, Chess led the church Bus Ministry, sang as a tenor within the choir, and was an officer of the Men’s Usher Board led by Michael Lemmons, Sr., who always emphasized to his ushers the importance of courtesy, friendliness, decorum and dress. Chess was an exemplary member of the group. Chess loved life, laughter, friends and family. Among his many interests, he was an avid bowler and golfer. He was also a member of the Maracchi Shriner Temple No. 13, a member the Mighty Maracchi Marching Band and of the color guard. Moreover, he was a freemason and belonged to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge. He enjoyed traveling, all kinds of music, dancing and was an enthusiastic sports fan and especially loved Michigan football. He was a conscientious citizen and in spite of his physical challenges, voted faithfully in every election. Chess was a kind, reserved man whose winning smile and warm personality endeared him to all who knew him.

Mr. Chess Alexander

October 17, 1931 - March 27, 2013