Chesapeake - Calvin Lofton Alexander, GYSGT, RET, USMC, slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Saturday morning, February 26, 2011, at 57 years old. He was a native of Norfolk and was born August 27, 1953 to the late Veralee Martin and James Alexander, Sr.

After serving 22 years in the United States Marine Corps and receiving numerous medals and awards, he retired July 31, 1995. He worked diligently for Coca-Cola as an Auditor retiring in January 2011.

Calvin accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of Gordon Chapel AME Church. He served as a Steward, Trustee, and President of the Lay Organization, helped with the Youth Dept. and worked with the Finance Committee. He also was elected "Man of the Year" for several AME Annual Conferences. Calvin Alexander was a family man who truly loved the Lord. One of his favorite quotes was, "I am a soldier in the Lord's Army." He managed his entire life with dignity and grace. He will be remembered by all for his kind spirit and amazing sense of humor which he maintained until the end.

Besides his parents; Mr. Alexander was predeceased by one brother Joseph Martin, Jr. He leaves behind to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Sonya McCoy Alexander; a mother-in-law, the Reverend Undine McCoy, three daughters; Kristine Alexander-Chavis ( Jeff), Charlene Alexander and Alexis Alexander; four brothers, James Alexander, Jr., Shelton Martin (Carolyn); Anthony Martin (Gerneice) and Curtis Martin; six sisters, Betty Canty (Lester), Debra Shaw, Cynthia Martin, Pamela Martin Davis (Louis), Yvonne Johnson, (Mark) and Emily Martin; two aunts, Delores Minge and Rosetta Lamb; three uncles, Horace Lamb, James Lamb, and Thelbert Hill; two brothers-in-law, Darren McCoy and Thomas McCoy, Jr. (Marie). Calvin also leaves behind five grandchildren, whom he adored, Markelle, Dayshawn, Etwynae, Nehemiah, and Joel, along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Homegoing services for Calvin Alexander will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at Gordon Chapel AME Church. The procession to the church will leave the residence at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. The viewing will be from 3 pm to 7 pm on Friday, March 4, 2011 at Pretlow and Son's Funeral Home, Chesapeake, where the family will receive family and friends from 6pm to 7pm. You may offer condolences to the family at www.pretlowandsons.com .