Alfred C. Chessor, Sr.

Alfred, “Chinnie, pops, papa, papaylapay, father and grandpa” was born around 1937 (adjusted to 1943 on immigrating to the United States) to the union of Koche Chinnikahn Chesior and Gbassay Wulu in Pelikhen village, located in the southeast region of Liberia, West Africa. He first attended the village school at age 10 where he matriculated until the fifth grade. After the village school he moved to Cape Palmas and attended TR Elementary School. He then relocated to Monrovia (capital city of Liberia) in 1957 and enrolled in Booker T. Washington Institute (BWI) where he studied architecture.

In 1964 he joined the Liberian Armed Forces (now the Armed Forces of Liberia, AFL). In 1965 he was sent by the AFL to West Point Military Academy in the United States for additional training.

Upon his return from the United States, he married Patricia N. Chineh in 1966 (till 1976), and their union was blessed with three children, Alfred Jr (Sharon), Alfredmy (Brownie J. Samukai, Jr.) and Eric. He was fathered Jefferson in 1974.

He continued to serve in the AFL, attaining the rank of Captain, until his immigration to the United States in 1977. That year he was sent by the government of Liberia to attend Minnesota’s Mankato State University to continue his education in Architecture. He has remained in Minnesota since his arrival, choosing not to return as the sponsoring governmental party was overthrown in a coup in 1980.

In 1979, he met and married Barbara Jean Carmichael and was a father to her two children, Judy (12) and Jacqueline (10).

Alfred, along with the late Isaac Collins, Sr., Robert Chie, Frances Page and Thomas Friday as well as those remaining, Walter Greenfield, Nathaniel Seton and numerous others, established the inaugural organization of Liberians in Minnesota named SINGEMA. Over time he served SINGEMA in the capacity of vice president and president.

Alfred was passionate about Liberia, keeping abreast of the political and social climate in the country over the years. He also possessed a keen memory of places and events of the past throughout his forty-eight years out of Liberia. His one and only trip back to Liberia occurred 35 years after he left. During his three months trip, from December 2012 to March 2013 he reconnected with remaining friends from his AFL days, reconnected with his son Jefferson and got to meet Jefferson’s children on a trip to River Gee, his county of birth. Upon his return from Liberia, he worked tirelessly to get Jefferson to the United States. In 2021 his hard work was fulfilled when Jefferson immigrated to the United States.

Alfred was committed to his family and passionate about helping people. He never forgot about his children in Liberia, ensuring all would join him in the United States beginning with his daughter Alfredmy in 1984. He loved his grandchildren, great-grands and friends, asking about everyone in every conversation with his family and friends.

Over his lifetime in Minnesota, he hosted multiple newly arrived Liberians to Minnesota. It was his practice to have a new arrival stay at his house for three to nine months as they get settled in Minnesota. As one of the pioneer Liberian immigrants to Minnesota he was known to be a wealth of information and mentor for the newly arriving Liberians. He helped them secure jobs as well as navigate processes from getting a driver’s license to filing immigration paperwork. He staunchly encouraged his friends to not forget their children back in Liberia, urging them to send for their children as he’d sent for his.

Alfred had a fierce and unwavering love and support for the Minnesota Vikings and professional boxing. He was known for his tendency to video record all the televised Vikings games and boxing matches which he’d subsequently watch over and over and over again. Oftentimes reacting as if it’s the first time he’s seeing the missed passes, touchdowns or knockouts. He has installed his love for the “Purple People Eater” to his Alfredmy and grandson, Madiba. He enjoyed fishing, thrifting, Chinese food and hanging out with his family and friends. Discussions with friends almost always centered around Liberian politics.

In September 2021, Alfred suffered a stroke with resultant swallowing and speech difficulties. This resulted in him being admitted to the nursing home where he resided until his death. He is mourned by his wife of 46 years, Barbara; his children, Alfred Jr. (Sharon), Alfredmy (Brownie J. Samukai, Jr.), Eric, Jefferson, Judy and Jacqueline; his grandchildren, Laytee, Joseph, Alfredmy, Alfred, Imani, Albert, Madiba, Nikia, Alaina, Adrianna, Bahtia and Christina; plus great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Jeneaya, Heaven, Harmony, King, Ozias and Zenora; along with a host of friends and family members. 

He will be dearly missed but never ever forgotten as he impacted many, many lives.

Funeral Service 11 AM Friday, August 22 at Christ Temple Apostolic Church, 2651 Hamline Avenue N. Roseville. Visitation 10-11 AM at the church. Interment Elmhurst Cemetery.