Alvin Plummer's Obituary
Alvin Plummer, 81, of Columbia, MO, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Boone Hospital Center. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Christian Fellowship School in Columbia, Missouri. An Alpha Phi Alpha Omega service will be held at 11:30 AM at the church.
Alvin Alexander Plummer was born August 25, 1944, to Helen Madeline Cooke Jones in Ithaca, New York Maternity Hospital. After graduation from Mamaroneck High School, he attended Ithaca College. The dormitory he was assigned was the converted old Maternity Hospital. This was a source of delight for him.
After 3 years at Ithaca College, he went to work in the lab at Chesebrough Ponds in Sanford, Connecticut. When that plant closed and relocated to Jefferson City, MO, he was sent/transferred to open the lab at the new facility. Included in his introduction to Jefferson City was a tour of Lincoln University. He received a BA in Physical Education with a minor in psychology, and a MA in Counseling and Guidance there.
After graduation, he took a position as an investigator with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR). In two years, he became Director of Investigation and the Executive Director of MCHR. He held this position for 20 years. In that capacity, he became an active member of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies (IAOHRA). He served a number of years as the Canadian liaison for that group.
In May 1974, at the urging of his brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, he asked a total stranger for a “blind date.” April 1976, he made her his bride. He and Sheila raised three terrific children: Ustan Alisce, Novia Renee, and Alexander Keene, the number 1 son. Each, individually and collectively, continue to be immense sources of light. He enjoyed his two son-in-laws. Tony Joe Kaup, who delighted Al by the wonderful care and love he gives to Novia. Prior to his early transition to Glory, Karl Jose Matthews and Ustan gave him five brilliant, resourceful grandchildren, which Al supported and encouraged through their growing years. Seven beautiful great-grandchildren rounded out his world.
In addition to his wife, children, grand and great grandchildren, he is survived by his three sisters: Cloey Hewett, Esq., Dr. Mary Ann Jones, and Suzy Jones all of San Francisco, CA., and an abundance of most loving and involved nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
The family sincerely thanks everyone for the generous outpouring of love and support. He will be missed greatly, but Al’s work and service to community is reflected and will continue to make lasting impacts.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to United Community Builders at 617 N. Providence Road, Columbia, MO 65203 or online at https://ucbuilders.org.
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