Mrs. Dessie Sterling

Dessie L. Sterling Sunrise July 13, 1928 Sunset March 21, 2020 Our mother was born Dessie Lee McAlpine on July 13, 1929 to Martha and John McAlpine in Boligee, Alabama. The second of five children, with older brother Augusta and younger sisters Betty, Addie and Isabel respectively. In her late teens she graduated from Greene County Training School and at the age of 21 Dessie became a mother to her first child, a son, Curley on June, 24 1951. In search of a better life, she relocated to Birmingham, Alabama in 1952 and served under the employment of The Marshal Durbin Company where she worked diligently and tirelessly. The next year Dessie joined the Lily Grove Baptist Church where she became a servant of the Lord. Deciding to relocate once again, she moved north in 1963 to Long Island, New York in search of employment. While there, Dessie met a man by the name of James Sterling, a widowed father of four children, sons and daughters, James Jr., Sylvester, Jan and Debra. The couple wed in 1967 and the new family would find a home together in East New York, Brooklyn, securing their bond with the birth of their new daughter, Sondra on February 25, 1970. James Sr. was quoted as saying "I do not want my Queen to work," so Dessie took on her role as queen of the castle and became a stay at home mother. But Dessie would not be satisfied simply with domestic work, she was passionate about her civic duty to her new found community. She joined The Bethlehem Baptist Church on Linden Boulevard where she attended service faithfully and was a dedicated member of the congregation. So dedicated in her love for the Lord that Dessie would watch the weather forecasts closely "just in case" an incoming winter blizzard or summer hurricane wasn't "too bad." Dessie was as kind and giving as she was talkative and social and she made many new friends in her new home. She became her building's Tenant Patrol Captain at 545 Dumont Ave where her neighbors often called on her and looked toward her leadership because Dessie could simply get the job done. Those who knew her would say "she meets no strangers." Over many years, Dessie became many things to many people, mother, second mother, doting grandmother, friend and nanny to many children who grew into adulthood and entrusted her with their children as well. Her love would span generations with fond memories of her painted vividly in the minds of those whose hearts are heavy in her absence. We may have lost a wonderful woman but God has gained a dedicated angel. Dessie would say "leave it in the hands of the Lord" and there now, she rests eternal. Preceding her in death, her husband James Sterling Sr. Sons James Jr. Sterling, Sylvester Sterling and daughter Jan Sterling. Brother Augusta McAlpine and sister Addie Walton. Dessie leaves to mourn, her son and daughter-in-law, Curley and Martha McAlpine. Daughter, Sondra Sterling. Daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Steve Allen. Granddaughter Rachel Faison and her husband Shamond Faison. Grandson, Marcus McAlpine and his wife Aleshia McAlpine. Granddaughters Tamara McAlpine and Kaiajha Roach. Grandson and granddaughters, Prince Holman, Ardence Holman and Lakisha Sterling. Great-grandchildren Amara Faison, Mya Faison, Anthony McAlpine, Deshea Simmington and a host of family and friends. Dessie Lee Sterling, rest in peace in God's hands.

Mrs. Dessie Sterling

July 13, 1929 - March 21, 2020