Hubert Alexander was both a force to be reckoned with and the greatest supporter. At his funeral, his family received story after story from people whose lives he touched, either by moving them to better themselves or helping them reach their full potential. He’d ask, “What are your goals?” and helped many reach them.
Mr. Alexander died Dec. 7, 2013.
The first inspiration he remembered, one that followed him throughout his life, was when he heard Booker T. Washington speak at his high school graduation. His wife, Bobbye Burns Alexander, remembers the impression Mr. Washington made on her husband, influencing him to be creative in any way he could. Mr. Alexander took that inspiration into the kitchen. He found creative ways to cook and present food, a passion that became one of his dearest loves and greatest joys.
He was an avid fisherman and was on a boat throughout his life. His mom taught him how to cook fish and from that moment forward he cooked every catch he brought home, creating special recipes for his family. In the last five years of his life he became an avid baker as well and would often make Mrs. Alexander her favorite, coconut cake, while making himself two pineapple upside down cakes. He ate them both, too.
“Dad used to say, ‘If you eat your own cooking, you know it’s good,’” his daughter, Catherine, said.
Zora Hurston was another famous inspiration for Mr. Alexander, as well as a childhood friend. They both grew up in Eatonville, Fla., the oldest African American community in Florida. Hurston, famous for her writing, including “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” gave tribute to Mr. Alexander in a small paragraph about him in her book, “Of Mules and Men.” In it she mentions seeing little Hubert Alexander playing ring around the rosie with his friends. Mr. Alexander was very proud of the mention and of knowing such an influential woman. His book shelf holds every book she wrote.
It was in Jacksonville, Fla. that Mr. Alexander met his future wife. He’d been attending Tuskegee University and met up with friends in Jacksonville for a beach party. It was segregated, so the African American community had a section of the beach to themselves. The future Mrs. Alexander wanted to play pinochle, but her current courter wasn’t interested. Mr. Alexander took his place across from her where he’d stay for over 60 years. She saw it as a simple game with a new friend at the time, but he had other plans in mind for the beautiful woman who caught his eye.
After they were married, Mr. Alexander was offered a job in Mississippi. Their families were wrought with worry for their lives, going to Mississippi in the 1950s, especially once they joined forces working with civil rights campaigns. Eventually, out of fear for their lives, it was suggested they leave Mississippi. About this time, Colonial Williamsburg was interested in integrating their management and, after Tuskegee University suggested Mr. Alexander for the position, the couple moved north.
In Florida, Mr. Alexander had been a faithful member of an AME church in the area. Christianity and the study of the Bible was of great importance to him, and in the African American community, so he immediately sought after an AME church in Williamsburg. Unfortunately, he didn’t find one, so he tried to join a Methodist church. Though Colonial Williamsburg was interested in integration it seemed not all churches were. Mr. Alexander was barred from attending the all-white church.
Mr. Alexander didn’t give up on his faith, though. He found First Baptist Church of Williamsburg where he was a dedicated member for 56 years and worked for almost every single position offered, including Trustee, Adult Sunday School Teacher for 23 years, Weekly Bible Study Teacher for 23 years, Deacon for 35 years, cooking for the Brotherhood Breakfast for 15 years, the former chairman of the Diaconate and led the church as chairman when they were without a pastor.
Although he was happy to help his church in any aspect required of him, his first love was teaching. Catherine remembers her father calling her during the week to discuss the following week’s Sunday school lesson after his diligent research. His computer is full of Bible searches and word study programs that have been used time and again in preparation. His daughter loved those phone conversations and the respect it helped her gain for the importance of asking questions, which she carries with her to this day.
His teaching career wasn’t just in a church Sunday school class, though. Mr. Alexander taught at Tuskegee University where he graduated with a concentration in Commercial Dietetics. He operated a cooking and baking school, served as Managing Chef and as a College Food Service Director. During his 62 years of management and education, Mr. Alexander also served on advisory boards for the Hospitality Management programs at Tuskegee Institute, Bethune Cookman, The University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Virginia State University, where he served as chairman for many years.
He taught at home, in his office and in the public, too, though some lessons were difficult to learn for some. Once he realized Colonial Williamsburg still needed more integration he moved into recruiting and ended his career as Director of Employment and Recruiting activities. During these years he served as Food Service Supervisor, Hotel and Restaurant Manager and Hotel and Restaurant Personnel Relations Coordinator and implemented the first culinary arts apprenticeship program.
When someone came into his office he took the expression “First impressions last forever” to heart. Anyone he deemed not presentable, he’d politely but firmly ask them to come back when they were serious about the position. He never saw them as unworthy of the position they came for, only unprepared. He saw himself as someone to help them get prepared, becoming a mentor to everyone he met.
Catherine was especially influenced by her father’s strong will.
“It’s impossible to talk about dad without talking about mom, too. They both encouraged us to be the best we could be. Whether I was going to dig a ditch or become president of the United State I knew I would be supported and encouraged. My proudest moments were their proudest moments,” Catherine said.
When Catherine decided to join the Naval Academy she was put on hold by a congressman who refused to nominate her. Catherine’s father simply wanted to know why, so he camped out on the congressman’s doorstep with plans to find out. He asked, “Why would you not nominate someone so qualified?” The congressman couldn’t answer, so he nominated her.
The day Catherine graduated from the Naval Academy, her parents were there to show their unwavering support. The day she deployed on her ship her father was in Norfolk with his fishing boat to wave goodbye.
Nothing was ever handed to Catherine or her siblings, but if they weren’t given a fair try her father made sure that was changed. He remembered the 1950s, Mississippi and being barred from church; he didn’t want his children, or anyone he met, to face those same obstacles. Anytime he saw the opportunity to influence someone for the better, he did it.
“He used to say, ‘All I can do is help you get your foot in the door and show you the door. You have to keep your foot in the door.’” Catherine said.
Among other passions, Mr. Alexander had an avid fascination and love for trees, especially the crepe myrtle growing in their backyard. In the book he published, “God’s Awesome Handiwork,” he dedicated the photo of the crepe myrtle to his mother. Every photo in his book is accompanied by a Bible verse and story on how they came to be. He found the beauty in God’s work, both nature and in people, and spent his life making sure they were appreciated for all their worth.
Deacon Alexander was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and Cephus; beloved son, Hubie; and sisters, Laura, Carol and Eunice.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbye Burns Alexander; two daughters, the Rev. Catherine Alexander, Ret. Commander U.S. Navy and Pearl Ings, retired energy specialist of the Orange County School Division; three brothers, Edward, George and Al; one sister, Evelyn; and numerous other loving relatives.
Final services were held at First Baptist Church of Williamsburg on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, at the church.
Mr. Alexander suffered from asthma throughout his life. His family asks that, in his memory, donations be made to Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Donations may also be made to EVAN, Eastern Virginia Aids Network or the First Baptist Church Scholarship Ministry.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
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