Obituary of Dr. Alvin H. Burwell

Celebrating the Life of

 

DR. ALVIN H. BURWELL

March 26, 1940 – December 21, 2023

 

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditates day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

-Psalm 1:1-3 (KJV)

 

Friday, January 5, 2024

Family/Friends Visitation: 10:00 am

Service: 10:45 am

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

215 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20001

 

"Live Stream" of the service to begin at 10:45 am

https://www.mpbcdc.org/ (then select Live Stream)

 

Dr. Alvin Henry Burwell, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, dedicated uncle, and friend passed away at the age of eighty-three after a courageous battle with heart disease. He leaves a legacy of love, resilience, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Born on March 26, 1940, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Roy Howard Burwell, Sr. and the late Annie Louise White Burwell. His educational pursuits showcased a profound commitment to knowledge. He matriculated in the District of Columbia Public School system and graduated from Cardozo Senior High School. Alvin's academic journey reached its pinnacle with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Pharmacy at Howard University, a Master of Business and Public Administration from Southeastern University, and a Doctorate in Pharmacology from the University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy.

Alvin's love story with Patricia Elaine Reid unfolded 56 years ago. They were married on September 16th, 1967, eventually establishing a home in Fort Washington, Maryland. Together, they raised two sons, Shaun Alvin Burwell, and Keith Anthony Burwell. In addition to his immediate family, Alvin's legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Nicholas Shaun Burwell, and Noelle Victoria Burwell. Their lives were enriched by his love, wisdom, and guidance.

Alvin had a successful career as a pharmacist and entrepreneur. He owned and operated a pharmacy in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia for almost 30 years. Alvin was also a man with vision who made several real estate investments with his business partner and longtime friend Earnest Johnson (Roosevelt). His impact on the community was marked by both his generosity to his customers and his business acumen.

Beyond his professional life, Alvin was a man of diverse talents, finding joy in playing the keyboard, piano, and guitar. His creative spirit shone through in holiday gatherings. He was the consummate host bringing family and friends together to celebrate life's joys and cultivate lasting friendships. These gatherings usually involved live musical guests or artistic performances. Alvin was a member of various social and civic service organizations such as the DC Sportsmen and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

Alvin's faith led him back to his family church he attended as a youth, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Robert Anderson where he attended as a youth. Upon returning years later, he rededicated his life to "God" to carry out his faith as he became an integral part of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church serving under the Leadership of Pastor Terry D. Streeter. Alvin served in the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church leadership as a deacon for over 20 Years. He taught Adult Men's Sunday School Classes, he served as Director of Church Training Union (CTU) and provided assistance and support to the Board of Trustees.

His contributions to the spiritual community reflected the core values that guided his life, his willingness to help whenever needed and always mentoring those close to him along the way. Alvin is preceded in death by his brothers Roy Howard Burwell, Jr., and Melvin Douglas Burwell, as well as sisters Rosalee A. Dansan, Selena L. Greene and a cousin raised as a sister, Thelma Coates-Mayo. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Deaconess Patricia Elaine Burwell, son Keith Anthony Burwell of Ft, Washington, Maryland, and son and daughter-in-law Shaun Alvin Burwell and Dr. Nicole Bailey Burwell of Ashburn, Virginia; two grandchildren, Nicholas and Noelle.  His sister, Dr. LilliAnn Burwell-Williams, two nieces Desiree Dansan-Savwoir (Edward), Marquette Greene, a nephew Darius Burwell, and a host of extended family.

As we say our farewells to our "Beloved Alvin", we honor his memory by reflecting on the pillars of his life, family, faith in God, education, entrepreneurship, creativity, and courageous strength. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his family, friends, and the community find solace in the beautiful memories they shared with a remarkable man. Alvins's legacy will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to have known him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Lovingly submitted by the Burwell family.

 

INTERMENT

Friday, January 5th, 2024

Fort Lincoln Cemetery

3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD 20722

 

*REPAST will take place at church following Interment

 

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

We kindly ask that you consider donating to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, located at 215 Rhode Island Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20001, and to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org) in Alvin’s honor, a cause that is close to our family.

 

If you would like to send flowers, please send them to the church scheduled for the morning of the service.

Celebrating the Life of

 

DR. ALVIN H. BURWELL

March 26, 1940 – December 21, 2023

 

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditates day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

-Psalm 1:1-3 (KJV)

 

Friday, January 5, 2024

Family/Friends Visitation: 10:00 am

Service: 10:45 am

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

215 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20001

 

"Live Stream" of the service to begin at 10:45 am

https://www.mpbcdc.org/ (then select Live Stream)

 

 

 

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