Alfred "Brother" Ecclesiastes Coffee, Sr.

CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF ONE WHO LIVED, LOVED, AND LED

HE LIVED: Deacon Alfred Coffee, Sr., was born on March 6, 1938, in Philadelphia, PA, to John and Melissa Coffee. From a young age, he demonstrated a strong commitment to serving, loving, and honoring God. Educated within the Philadelphia School System, he left school early to provide for his mother and siblings, exemplifying sacrifice, and resilience.

He was raised in the House of God Church, Keith Dominion, which served as his spiritual refuge and sanctuary. Although he experienced a brief period when he wandered away from the church, BUT NOT GOD, he did not go far nor did he stay long for he returned at the age of 22, receiving the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and remained devoted to his spiritual journey until his passing.

Deacon Coffee’s life was centered on doing God's will. He always strived to do all he could spiritually and physically, with the Lord’s help and to help the church. He was blessed to be able to attend the Manna Bible Institute. One of his greatest fears since childhood, was to die and go to hell. This coupled with the fact that he loved the Lord with all his heart, body, and soul, gave him the determination to LIVE a dedicated life for the Lord. A life that allowed him to LIVE, when the doctors were preparing his family for his death. Deacon Coffee LIVED, and he LIVED, and he continued to LIVE an additional 44 years despite the prognosis of his “practicing physicians”. He LIVED a life which allowed him to sleep away peacefully, in his own home on the evening of May 26, 2026.

HE LOVED: Alfred was a man who LOVED, and that LOVE was made evident in the way he provided for his family and the way in which he served his church. His greatest joy was his family. He met Mary Agnes Borden on January 1, 1964, in Burlington, NJ, and the sparks began to fly immediately. After a short courtship, of only three months and 24 days, on April 25, 1964, they said I do, (when you know, you know). And those who knew him, knew he was a smooth operator. Their union which was built on LOVE, sacrifice, and faith endured over 62 years. Together, they raised three children: Alfred Jr., Christopher, and Tiffany, as they LOVED and cared for children with disabilities for 17 years, embodying Christ’s compassion in action. Cornelia Dix and children were blessed to experience some Coffee LOVE by becoming a part of their family in November 1982.

Deacon Coffee’s LOVE for the church deepened and took on a greater meaning, and in June of 1982, under the leadership of the late Bishop James W. Jenkins, Deacon Coffee was ordained as a Deacon. He served faithfully in various capacities, including Diocese and Local Usher Board President, Deacon and Trustee Board Chairperson, Assistant Deacon Board Chairperson, YFFU and Choir President, Men’s Day Chairperson, President of the Diocese’s Prayer Band, a member of the Diocese Steering Committee, the National Deacon’s Union, and the PA/DE State Committee. Each role reflected his dedication and LOVE for the church community. He LOVED being committed to the weekly 6am Coffee Prayer Call in which he prayed and assisted in the teaching of the lesson.

In earlier years, his church membership was at 2600 Columbia Ave. in Philadelphia, PA. Later he worked along with Elder Melissa Coffee at Band #2 on 3835 Haverford Ave, with Reverend Tavon and Yvonne McCoy on 6th & Mercy Streets, and after which returning to 2600 Columbia Avenue to work with Elder Mae Louis Davis. He was very supportive both financially and physically at these locations including assisting Bishop Henry Dillard in Harrisburg, PA.

Despite being a novice, he was allowed to travel and go missionizing with Bishop Ollie L. Nails, Elder Melissa Coffee Perkins, and Elder Terry. He also followed Bishop P. J. Fletcher, and Bishop R. W. Fletcher whenever possible; and he and Brother James Robert Postell were a great support in the church in Atlantic City. Such training intensified his hunger for doing missionary work and ensuring the physical needs of God’s house were met. Even if he did not possess the skillset for various repairs, Deacon Coffee would seek the Lord’s guidance, and as a result, it always came out alright.

HE “LED” WITH SERVITUDE: In 1983, Deaconess Rosa M. Jenkins, requested he come and work on the National Church grounds in Nashville, TN., a position he worked faithfully and took much pride in, until his health no longer allowed him to do so.

He was a dedicated supporter of his church, often using his blue work van to transport members to services, assemblies, and gatherings, sacrificing personal comforts for the benefit of others. On many occasions, Deacon Coffee would leave his wife and children to take and ensure saints without transportation made it home safely; returning to pick up his family resulting in them arriving home in the late evening and wee hours in the morning.

He and his wife would open their home to visiting saints on a continual and regular basis and were blessed to lodge Bishop P. J. Fletcher, Elder Martha Thomas, Elder P. J. Fletcher, Jr., Elder Olivia Wallace, Elder Future Campbell, saints from North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and many more.

This dedicated servant, would load up his drum set and travel any distance to be of assistance to any of the churches needing his support; asking for and expecting nothing in return but prayer. He and his wife along with their children were appointed by Bishop R. W. Fletcher to fellowship in Wilmington, DE working along with Elder Andrew Williams, where his membership remained until his transition. The Coffee family worked hard walking the streets, knocking on doors, having bible discussions and services in the homes of many of the residents. Deacon Coffee held Noon-day Prayer Services at the church, hosted a Vacation Bible School with the assistance of Evangelist Evelyn Campbell and the saints of Philadelphia, which was followed by a great revival.

This legend was preceded in death by his parents: Charles Coffee and Melissa Coffee Perkins, his grandson: Antoine Rush Green, his siblings: Ruben, Robert, Kathrine, John, Equilla, Zema, Hilda, Vance, Charles, Josephine, Yvonne, Acorn, Emanuella, Roberta, Rosemary, and many other loved ones.

Left to carry on his legacy, his loving and devoted wife, Mary Agnes Coffee; their children: Alfred Jr. & Felecia Coffee, Christopher & Monica Coffee, Tiffany & Calvin Rex, Jr., Cornelia & Leon Dix; his grandchildren, Brianna & James Ermilus, Tatyana Rex, Chanel Coffee, Alfred Coffee, III, Calvin Rex, III, Alecia Coffee, Ava Coffee, Heaven Oliver, Latashi Trueheart, and Jermaine Andrews; great-grandchildren, Yazair, Mahogonee, Lailah, Aiyden, Ne’or, Nova, Sa’age, Semaj, and Si’ora; sibling, Rayvonnia & Harry Haygood; god-children: Beth, Tina, Marcy, Jaycina, and Harmony; and a host of nephews, nieces, family, and friends.

Deacon Alfred Coffee’s life was a testament to love, service, and unwavering faith. He leaves a lasting legacy of devotion to God and compassion for others, inspiring future generations to walk in faith, love, and service.

THE LEGACY OF ONE WHO

LIVED, LOVED, AND LED

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