DATE: Wednesday, April 9, 1997              TAG: 9704090374

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B8   EDITION: FINAL 

DATELINE: NORFOLK                           LENGTH:   60 lines

ASBURY KINDRED

On April 4, 1997, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, God called Asbury Kindred home. He was born May 31, 1924, in Southampton County to the late Willie and Elsie Kindred. At an early age, he attended elementary and high school in Southampton County.

Mr. Kindred was a private first class in the U.S. Army. He fought in World War II in the Philippines and Okinawa.

He continued his education and graduated from Booker T. Washington. He continued his higher learning of education, receiving numerous awards, certificates, plaques, watches, pens and other symbols of recognition and appreciation.

He was also an active member of Lodge No. 109, Supreme Council Illustrious Sovereign Grand Inspector General at the 33rd and Last Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry.

He was the founder and president of Kindred's Janitorial Services, where he provided employment opportunities for his children and numerous others.

His last enjoyment was his ``Flea Market.'' At the Big Top Flea Market, where he was greatly loved by all, he was best known as ``Mr. Al.''

He is survived by his loving wife, Hattie Kindred, of 40 years, who stood by his side in his late hour of suffering. She remembers him calling out to her asking for her prayer. She responded and remained by his side. Together, they shared the joy of six sons: Asbury Flood of Murfreesboro, Anthony Brown Sr. of Upper Marlboro, Bishop Brown Sr., of Lanham, Md., Donald Brown of Norfolk, Kindzell Brown of Norfolk and Alford Kindred of Alexandria; and three daughters, Lina Brown and Nancy Sumter of Norfolk and Jacqueline Kindred of Virginia Beach.

He was always helping, caring and sharing with his neighbors and friends. He was a kind and loving husband, devoted father and a hero. He will be absolutely missed by all of his friends, co-workers, neighbors and all those who came in contact with him. His famous expression, when he addressed friends and acquaintances, was, ``Hey, Buddy.''

Also he is survived by five daughters-in-law, Anne Flood, Yvonne Brown, Linda Brown, Denise Brown and Darnell Kindred; four sisters, Mary Edith McKnight of Baltimore, Ella V. Britt, Essie Kindred and Elsie Kindred of Franklin; brother, Willie L. Kindred Jr. of Baltimore; two sisters-in-law, Florence Kindred of Baltimore and Mattie Martin of Norfolk; brother-in-law, Merlin Britt of Franklin, Va.; also Jasper Kindred, a cousin, who was just like a brother to him.

Along with his nine children, he reared a host of nieces and nephews: Lorengo Goganious, Barbara Munden, Geraldine Ruffin, Dr. Hattie Washington of Baltimore, Jean Hundley, Terrie Lingham, Samuel Neal III of Baltimore, Charles Edward Parker, Michael McMichaels and numerous foster, homeless and needy children (sometimes totaling more than 27 children, who all regarded him as a father). He also leaves 12 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.

The wake will be held at 7 p.m. today in Metropolitan Funeral Service, Norfolk. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Mount Gilead Pentecostal Church, 3701 Colley Ave., Norfolk. The procession will commence at 10 a.m. at 2702 Beachmont Ave., Norfolk. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Quantico National Cemetery. ILLUSTRATION: Photo KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY

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