Alvin Burnette

In celebration of a remarkable life, Alvin Gaylord Burnette left this world at 4:25am on December 21st, surrounded by his loving family at his home. Special mention to his Bonus brother Will Little who stayed by his side along with his wife Natasha and daughter Ashley until the end holding his hand and playing his favorite Kung-fu and Godzilla movies and jazz music. Alvin’s unwavering spirit shone brightly through his courageous battle with terminal stage 4 cancer, consistently defying odds with determination and strength. Alvin fought an unimaginable fight. Every time they said he only had six-months, he lived an extra six. Diagnosed with his cancer April 2019, Alvin lived 4 years past his given life expectancy. We as his family took advantage of that time and spent every hour we could together. Best friends enjoying life.

Born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Alvin was the cherished second son of the late James Paul Burnette and Alvater (Alston) Burnette. Alvin leaves behind his loving brother, James Burnette, among other family members. Alvin has led an exceptional life, he worked in the church most his life, being a support to the ministry and congregation. He has volunteered his time to many non-profit causes and events for the homeless. He prided himself on being available day or night for on-call ministry work for those in need of guidance in crisis situations. Alvin was a proud member of Second Baptist Church of Chapel Hill North Carolina, where he did some of his greatest work for God. His commitment to providing guidance and support to those in need was unwavering.

Alvin found joy in marriage twice. First, he met and married his first wife Lorraine (Rushing) Burnette in 1993, the product of that marriage was a beautiful bouncing baby girl in 1995, Ashley Jacole Brooke Tyree Charnise Burnette. She has been and will continue to be the light if his life. Alvin was so proud of Ashley and all that she has accomplished. After Lorraine’s passing in 2008, Alvin continued his ministry work and raised his daughter Ashley. In 2009, Will introduced Alvin and Natasha while he was the minister of music at Second Baptist Church. In 2013, Alvin married  Natasha at a beautiful ceremony in Wake Forest, NC. His academic achievements included a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a focus on Business Management from Liberty University. He was so proud of that degree, and so were we. Alvin’s professional journey encompassed 19 years with Hendrix Automotive in Durham, NC, until his early retirement due to his illness. Alvin has been a wonderful blessing to the community and all those he has come in contact with for many years.

Alvin is mourned by his devoted wife Natasha, his daughter Ashley, his mother Alvater Burnette, his brother James (Deborah), and bonus brother William Little, a host of nieces and nephews, aunts, uncle’s, cousins and many more family members and friends. Special mention goes to Dwayne Wall, Alicia Springer, and William Patterson, who have been by his side since his diagnoses in 2019. Alvin’s legacy of love, faith, and community service will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be dearly missed, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of his family, friends, and the community he so passionately served.

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