Obituary for Alvin Walters
Alvin was born to Harold Walters and Dorothy Herminelda Manning in May Pen, Clarendon, Jamaica on 23 July 1930. In 1932, Alvin had a sister who died in her year of birth. During his early childhood years, he was looked after by his grandmother, Adora ‘Mooma’ Williams in Charles Street, Kingston Jamaica.
Next door to Adora’s house was a watchmaking shop where the owner had noticed Alvin regularly looking through his shop window.
Alvin was invited in to satisfy his curiosity and keep him off the streets of Kingston. This is where Alvin learnt the distinguished art of watch and clock repair of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.
In 1951 at the youthful age of 21, he made his way to London England in search of greater life opportunities. What he found was not welcoming arms but battles with discrimination against all West Indian immigrants known as the Windrush Generation.
Whilst in England he used his knowledge and skills in watch and clock repair to earn a decent living. He knew that everyone, no matter what their background, needs a working watch or clock to be on time and be reliable. With that knowledge he became known for being reliable just like his craft.
Alvin was a founding member of the Caribbean lodge, The Pearl of Surrey Lodge No 5. Him and the founding members created a network for the Windrush Generation, helping them find a home, away from home.
At the age of 26 he married Lorna Madge Jones, and they had two sons together. Ian George was born in 1957 and Stephen Benedict, born in 1964. Their first home in Westbury Road, Selhurst, Croydon was a stone’s throw from Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace Football Club, which he greatly loved.
The family loved taking trips to the coast in his brand new Ford Consul 375 and attending the yearly Brixton Carnival. The most treasured outing was a pilgrimage to The Oval to see the West Indies play cricket against England.
In 1984, after the breakup of his marriage to Lorna he left the UK for a new beginning in the USA. He lived with his mother in Brooklyn, New York in an apartment she had lived in since the early 1960s. To escape from the harsh New York winters, they relocated to Lauderdale Lakes, Florida in early 1986. Once in Florida Alvin did what he knew best, and started a watch repair business in the Famous Oakland Park Blvd Flea Market.
In 1990 Alvin’s mother passed away and during his grieving he met a supporting friend in Pauline Groves. Their friendship lasted over 7 years until they were married in 1999. In this union Alvin became Mr. Walters, Father and Grandpa to Pauline’s 7 kids and over 13 grandchildren. He is survived by a total of 9 children and over 18 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Alvin was a very independent and private individual. Hence, when he was diagnosed with myeloma (blood cancer) he still forged ahead to see his 2 sons in the UK at age 91. It was truly a highlight of his life as he was able to celebrate one more birthday in the UK. At 92 years old he fought cancer courageously before he passed on November 1st 2022. The staff at the University College Hospital in England gave him the title “The Strong Man”. Alvin always maintained his dignity and was highly respected by those who met him. He is truly missed.
Next door to Adora’s house was a watchmaking shop where the owner had noticed Alvin regularly looking through his shop window.
Alvin was invited in to satisfy his curiosity and keep him off the streets of Kingston. This is where Alvin learnt the distinguished art of watch and clock repair of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.
In 1951 at the youthful age of 21, he made his way to London England in search of greater life opportunities. What he found was not welcoming arms but battles with discrimination against all West Indian immigrants known as the Windrush Generation.
Whilst in England he used his knowledge and skills in watch and clock repair to earn a decent living. He knew that everyone, no matter what their background, needs a working watch or clock to be on time and be reliable. With that knowledge he became known for being reliable just like his craft.
Alvin was a founding member of the Caribbean lodge, The Pearl of Surrey Lodge No 5. Him and the founding members created a network for the Windrush Generation, helping them find a home, away from home.
At the age of 26 he married Lorna Madge Jones, and they had two sons together. Ian George was born in 1957 and Stephen Benedict, born in 1964. Their first home in Westbury Road, Selhurst, Croydon was a stone’s throw from Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace Football Club, which he greatly loved.
The family loved taking trips to the coast in his brand new Ford Consul 375 and attending the yearly Brixton Carnival. The most treasured outing was a pilgrimage to The Oval to see the West Indies play cricket against England.
In 1984, after the breakup of his marriage to Lorna he left the UK for a new beginning in the USA. He lived with his mother in Brooklyn, New York in an apartment she had lived in since the early 1960s. To escape from the harsh New York winters, they relocated to Lauderdale Lakes, Florida in early 1986. Once in Florida Alvin did what he knew best, and started a watch repair business in the Famous Oakland Park Blvd Flea Market.
In 1990 Alvin’s mother passed away and during his grieving he met a supporting friend in Pauline Groves. Their friendship lasted over 7 years until they were married in 1999. In this union Alvin became Mr. Walters, Father and Grandpa to Pauline’s 7 kids and over 13 grandchildren. He is survived by a total of 9 children and over 18 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Alvin was a very independent and private individual. Hence, when he was diagnosed with myeloma (blood cancer) he still forged ahead to see his 2 sons in the UK at age 91. It was truly a highlight of his life as he was able to celebrate one more birthday in the UK. At 92 years old he fought cancer courageously before he passed on November 1st 2022. The staff at the University College Hospital in England gave him the title “The Strong Man”. Alvin always maintained his dignity and was highly respected by those who met him. He is truly missed.