Alonzo Brinson Sr.

Alonzo Brinson, Sr.was born to the late Frank Brinson and Birda-Lee Parish-Brinson in Millen, GA on April 27, 1934.  He departed this life on December 29, 2020.

Born in the Great Depression, Alonzo had a limited education, having to work the fields in order to support his siblings. Educated within Jenkins County, GA, he delivered wood locally. Due to   limited opportunities in the late ‘50s, he decided to head north for Philadelphia, PA.

Within 5 years,  he met his wife-to-be, Gerelene Oglesby, at which point he declared, “I’m going to marry you.”  Truer words were never spoken, for from their marital union came 2 sons, Alonzo Brinson, Jr. and Fabian Brinson.  Alonzo Brinson, Sr. was ambitious, working extremely long hours at a Sunoco gas station.  Years later, he and his wife bought the gas station from its previous owner, going into business for themselves. After obtaining the business, he was very successful, in spite of his lack of education, helping his siblings and their children whenever needed.  That is until illness struck, which forced him to sell the business, but not before he purchased enough stocks and bonds within the company to support him and family until his demise.

They owned the Sunoco gas station for over a decade, which allowed him to provide a wonderful home for his wife and children. In the 1960s they became the original homeowners of a newly constructed home in Yorktown.   When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed time with his family and friends. He and family were faithful members of Metropolitan Baptist Church located at 34th & Baring Streets.  He especially made sure to spend quality time with his sons, be it riding mini bikes, going to the park, swimming, going to barbecues, or bringing them to the gas station.

He leaves behind to cherish many memories: his wife, Gerelene Brinson; his sons, Alonzo Brinson, Jr. and Fabian Brinson; daughter-in-law, Darlene Brinson; his sisters, Louise Bass and Pauline Brinson;  his grandson, Alonzo T. Brinson; 4 great-grandchildren, Zamya, Zaheem, Zabella and Alexander.  He was also the brother of the late Leroy Brinson,  the late James Brinson, the late Richard D. Brinson,  the late Katie Mae Glover, the late Frankee Whitehead and the late Emerson “Mac” Brinson. He also leaves behind 5 sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law and a host of nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives, friends and neighbors.

Prayerfully & Sorrowfully Submitted,

The Family