Robert Sturdivant

ROBERT STURDIVANT, the son of late James Vander and Elizabeth Sturdivant, was born September 13, 1926 in Hamlet, North Carolina. The Sturdivant family migrated to Baltimore, Maryland for a short while, then relocated in New York where he spent the most of his childhood and received his education. He departed this life on January 31, 2006 after a brief illness at Northwest Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Robert wed the late Gloria Ridley and had three lovely daughters - Suzanne Burnette, the late Marsha Wiggins, and Aprylle Sturdivant. He was later united in marriage to Evelyn Webb, and to this union was born another lovely daughter, Charmaine Sturdivant Poag. He retired from Bethlehem Steel Corporation after twenty-seven years of service as a crane general foreman. He was a dedicated community volunteer and serviceman. His many activities over his lifespan included membership in the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Lochearn Presbyterian Church, and Kinsler Academy of Music. His past titles with the Prince Grand Hall Lodge include member, district deputy grand master. His most cherished and lifelong dedication was to the Lochearn Presbyterian Church. He spent many years performing various roles such as men's group participant, choir member, church elder, service on the Session, management of various church affairs, and building and grounds manager. His giving spirit was received and appreciated by the many lives he touched over the years during his lifelong commitment of service to the Lochearn Presbyterian Church. He was also a very active member of The Democratic Club. His beloved daughter, Marsha Linda Sturdivant Wiggins, preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn: his devoted sister, Mary Washington; three daughters, Suzanne Burnette, Aprylle Sturdivant, Charmaine Sturdivant Poag, niece, Shelia Washington; two sons-in-law, Major Allen Burnette and Samuel Wiggins; his grandchildren, Jennifer Burnette, Dr. Jibri Wiggins, Monica Burnette, Yohance Wiggins, Jocelyn Poag, Amanda Poag and Ivan Poag; his great-grandson, Jelani Amir Wiggins; his devoted cousins, Wilbert Sturdivant, Sr. (Pauline) and Valter Richardson (James); and a host of cherished relatives and friends.

Tributes

Robert Sturdivant

September 13, 1926 - January 31, 2006