"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Alfred James Newkirk began his journey of life March 4, 1937 in Yazoo County, MS. He was the ninth child of nine siblings born to William M. Newkirk and Marie Bonner-Newkirk. Under the guidance of his parents, Alfred came into the knowledge of Jesus the Christ and attended Tri Union Missionary Baptist Church and later fellowship at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the Leadership of Reverend E.L. Williams.
Alfred attended the Yazoo City Training School, and during his high school years, he was an excellent athletic figure in football and basketball. His physical strength and speed in sports, he was given the name "Turk". He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends.
After graduating from High School in June, 1956, he moved to Chicago, IL and work with his father at Gateway Constructions Company. He got married, and to this union three children were born: Tyrone, Romona and Kevin. In later years, he often joked about how hard the job was and he had to move on. He also work a few years at Automatic Electric Company, but found that job boring.
It is said that there are three types of individuals: (1) make things happen (2) watch things happen (3) and those who are left in wonderland. It was during his transition period, his daughter Ora (Sha) was born. At this time, Alfred stepped out of the wonderland, took a look at life and made sound adjustments. With a growing family, he realized there was something better for him; he was being directed to Law Enforcement Employment.
Alfred and Joyce were married August 30, 1972 (no children to this union) and began to get his spiritual life together. He Joined the Greater King David MBC, Chicago, IL, under the leadership of Reverend Anthony Ratcliff, and was a Youth Activity Advisor.
Alfred was preceded in death by his parents: William and Marie Newkirk; one daughter: Romona; six sisters: Willie Mae Martin, Marie Christmas, Robbie Lee Brown; Eula Bee Williams, Silvia Reon Jeffery, Annie Newkirk; and Ella Mae Fox; two brothers; William Newkirk and Cleotha Newkirk.
What a shock. Sudden death, he finished his course September 13, 2021 at 3:42 PM. Alfred leaves a living legacy to cherish his memories: a devoted wife, Joyce of 48 years; three sons, Tyrone, and Kevin (Chicago, IL) and Steve (Woodbridge, VA); one Sister-in-Law, Ola Newkirk, Davenport, IA; one daughter, Ora (Sha) FordRiggins (Gerald), Eads, TN; two granddaughters, Tyrina Newkirk and Tikisha Buford (Kevin), Chicago, IL; one grandson, Dexter Newkirk (Deneca), Chicago, IL; six great grandsons, Kaden, Dexter, Jr., Nehemiah, Damani, Daivon, Chicago, IL; and Joshua (Canada); and, five great granddaughters, Taylor, Daijah, Dariah, Dariella (Chicago, IL) and Dean (Canada).

In the Old Testament, God is pictured as a shepherd who guides his sheep with a shepherd staff (Eze. 20:37; Psalm 23). In the New Testament, Jesus identifies himself as the good shepherd who cares for his sheep (John 10-11-16)