On Sunday, October 5, 2026, Alvin Bryant Sterling laid down his burdens and went home to be with the Lord he loved so faithfully. He was 65 years old. Born on April 23, 1961, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Alvin was the beloved son of the late Henry Sterling Sr. and Rosalie Robertson Sterling. Alvin attended McKinley Senior High School and later enlisted in the United States Army. All his life, he had hands that could fix just about anything and a heart that wanted to help just about anyone. A true jack of all trades, he worked as a handyman and took on whatever odd jobs came his way, never too proud for honest work and never one to turn down someone in need of a helping hand. Alvin’s road was not always an easy one. He walked through some dark valleys in his life, but he never let go of God’s hand, and God never let go of his. Through every storm, he held on to his faith, his dignity, and his humble spirit. He never wanted to be a burden to anyone, especially the family he loved with his whole heart.And oh, how Alvin could cook. His gumbo was legendary. Give him whatever was left in the refrigerator, and somehow he would turn it into a pot of gumbo so rich and full of flavor that people would be talking about it for days. Wherever he lived, folks would pass up any other meal for a plate of Alvin’s cooking, and nothing made him happier than watching people enjoy the food he made with love.Alvin never met a stranger. He greeted everyone like an old friend, and he poured the deepest parts of his soul into the poetry he wrote. But the truest poem Alvin ever wrote was the way he lived. He did not have much in this world, yet he gave as though he had everything. One Sunday, a homeless man walked into church with no shoes on his feet. Without hesitation, Alvin took off his own shoes and gave them to him. His bicycle carried him everywhere he went, but if he met someone who needed it more, he would give it away without a second thought. Alvin did not just read about the Good Samaritan. He lived it, every single day.He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Sterling Sr. and Rosalie Robertson Sterling, and his grandparents.He leaves behind to treasure his memory his children, his grandchildren, two sisters, two brothers, and a host of other relatives and friends whose lives are richer because he was in them.Alvin loved his family deeply, and his family loved him just as deeply in return. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that the man who gave away the shoes off his feet now walks in perfect peace. His kindness, his faith, and his generous heart will forever remain with all who knew and loved him.A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Resting Place Funeral Home.