Alfred Irving

Deacon Alfred Sherwood Irving, Sr. was born on Wednesday, October 18, 1933, in Arrington, Virginia. He was the eldest of thirteen children born to the late Paul M. and Lelia Jones Irving. He was the devoted husband of the late Christine Beulah Henderson Irving, whom he married on April 11, 1958. Christine preceded him in death on February 27, 2024. Sherwood, as he was affectionately known, entered eternal rest on Monday, December 22, 2025, after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Sherwood was a devoted, loving, and reliable son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He never met a stranger and loved all people, especially his family and friends. He was widely regarded as a pillar in his community, known for his kindness, wisdom, service, and steadfast integrity. Sherwood was baptized at an early age and became a lifelong member of New Mount Baptist Church in Arrington, Virginia. He remained a faithful and active member until illness affected both him and his wife. His service in the church began as a teenager in the Junior Choir. Over the years, he faithfully served as Chairman of the Deacon Ministry, a member of the Trustee Ministry, sang in the male chorus, and Treasurer of the Men’s Ministry. He attended Sunday School and weekly Bible Study and supported the church and its members in any way he could. Sherwood was a mentor to many and often provided historical perspective as the church continued to grow and evolve. His abiding faith in the Lord sustained him throughout his 92 years, allowing him to approach each day with positive energy, humility, and renewed hope. The church membership respected and honored him through his final days.

Sherwood graduated from the Nelson County (Virginia) Training School in 1953. During segregation, high schools for African Americans were referred to as training schools and were intended to focus on vocational education. Sherwood proudly shared that he graduated alongside his younger sister, the late Mary Irving Henderson, who skipped several grades due to her academic excellence. Their mother, Lelia Irving, placed a high premium on education despite the limited opportunities available to African Americans during that era, and she was immensely proud of both children.

Following graduation, Sherwood and Mary relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where Sherwood gained employment with Gordon Cartons while Mary attended Morgan State College (now Morgan State University). Sherwood was later drafted into the United States Army, serving honorably during the Korean War from December 1953 to December 1955. After his military service, Sherwood began a 38-year career as a tractor-trailer driver. He was first employed by KM Baker Trucking Company in Lovingston, Virginia, where he worked for approximately 14 years. In 1972, hewas recruited by Smith Transfer as part of an effort toempty African American drivers.

That employment provided improved benefits and income. He later retired from Consolidated Freightway in 1996 to devote more time to caring for his ailing father and mother-in-law.

Sherwood took great pride in his career, which allowed him to travel extensively throughout the country.On April 11, 1958, Sherwood married his sweetheart, Christine. Together, they shared a loving and devoted marriage rooted in faith, shared values, and the Golden Rule. They worshipped together and lived lives of service and compassion. Sherwood and Christine raised three children, whom they loved, nurtured, and guided with firm values and discipline. Their guiding principle was, “One’s children should advance beyond the station of their parents.” They emphasized education, teaching their children to read and write before they began school and requiring homework completion before television time. They were especially encouraged by the opportunities that emerged when the Nelson County School System became integrated. Sherwood was deeply involved in fraternal, civic, and community service organizations. He was a member of the NAACP; a member of the Rockfish Baptist Association; a longstanding member of Dawning Hope Lodge #166; a member of the Board of Volunteer Coalition; and a volunteer with the Nelson County TRIAD, a local chapter of the National Sheriff’s Office TRIAD Program focused on senior safety and well-being. In this role, he frequently transported elderly residents to medical appointments.

Sherwood’s Masonic service was extensive and distinguished. His 50-year Masonic Membership Certificate, awarded in 2015 by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia Free and Accepted Masons, Inc., reflected his combined years of service with Dawning Hope Lodge #166 and Robert F. Braxton Lodge #318. Dawning Hope Lodge, where members met in Lovingston, later disbanded due to declining membership, after which Sherwood affiliated with Robert F. Braxton Lodge #318 in Madison Heights. In recognition of his exceptional leadership, Sherwood was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master on two occasions—the highest-ranking office within the Masonic jurisdiction. In this role, he served as the chief executive and spiritual leader of the Grand Lodge, overseeing all subordinate lodges, exercising supreme authority, and presiding over the governance and direction of the organization. His leadership, wisdom, and service left a lasting legacy within Prince Hall Freemasonry. As the eldest of thirteen children, Sherwood proudly served as the patriarch of the Irving family, a role he deeply cherished.

In addition to his wife and parents, Sherwood was preceded in death by his brother, Robert M. Irving (Bob); his sisters, Mary Henderson, Dorothy Hatcher, and Ruth Burse; a beloved niece, Tamika Robinson; a loving sister-in-law, Cecelia Henderson Martin, and her husband, Thomas Martin; and a nephew, Brennan “BJ” Irving. Sherwood leaves to cherish his memory three children: Hon. Alfred S. Irving, Jr. (Dr. Robert Benedetti), Shelley Irving Biglow (William), and Sonya Irving Ross (Terry); two grandchildren, Reneka Ross Davis (Michael) and Rahmon Hatcher-Ross (Nicholas Hatcher-Ross, Esq.); three step-grandchildren, William Biglow Jr., Brandon Biglow (Megan), and Jasmine Harris; three step-great-grandchildren, Landon Monroe, Braydon Biglow, and Alaina Biglow; sisters, Laura Pinson, Elvelyne Cobb, Irish Farmer (Larry), Arlene Mitchell (Raymond), and Alice Irving; brothers, William Irving (Carolyn), James “Tim” Irving, and Dan Irving (Mary); brothers-in-law, Tom Burse and Joseph Hatcher; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, Lovingston, VA, Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 12:00P.M. with a viewing starting at 11:00A.M. Interment will follow at New Mount Baptist Church.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.