Sunrise: December 2, 1949 ~ Sunset: July 2, 2025

I am free, praise the Lord I'm free! I'm no longer bound and no more pains afflicting me! My soul is resting and it's just a blessing! I was ready to take flight and now I am free and home at last!"

Hardworking, blessed, entrepreneur, family-oriented and God-fearing are all words that describe Alphonzo Lee Carethers, who was received by the heavens and entered into his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, following an extended period of illness. Affectionately known as "Al" and/or "Mount", Alphonzo was born on December 2, 1949 to his loving parents, the late James Lee Carethers, Sr. and Elizabeth Lynch Carethers.

Alphonzo was a graduate of Carver High School. Upon graduating from high school, Alphonzo began working at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. After 35 years of dedicated service, Alphonzo retired from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and began working for and retired from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System after 15 years of service.  Alphonzo was a  hard worker  and always put forth his best effort in everything he did.

On Friday, December 25, 1970, as the snow covered the ground and gave a new meaning to a "White Christmas", young Alphonzo married his high school sweetheart, Veronica Lake Moore Carethers.

Alphonzo was a true man of God. As a longtime and faithful member of St. Matthew Apostolic Church/Temple, Alphonzo he served in the Willing Workers' Ministry and sang in the Spiritual Choir, while his health allowed. Alphonzo also regularly participated in St. Matthew's Fashion Show, alongside his grandson, Altavian Carethers. Alphonzo loved St. Matthew and his St. Matthew family surely loved him.

Alphonzo loved all things music. Not only did Alphonzo enjoy singing, he loved working with many talented singers and musicians. For 40+ years, Alphonzo managed several local bands including: Taurus, Phase, Choyce and Old School Players (OSP).

Alphonzo was a wonderful baker. His family thoroughly enjoyed the many delicious Lemon Meringue Pies he made every year for their family Christmas dinner.

Alphonzo loved sports. He was an avid and diehard UNC-Chapel Hill Tarheels and San Francisco 49ers fan.

Alphonzo was an entrepreneur. As a man who was always about his business, he was the owner of Styles R' Us Salon and Barber Shop, as well as a landlord of various properties.

Alphonzo's life and legacy touched the lives of so many - from his own children and grandchildren to the numerous young men and women he took under his wings. The many ways Alphonzo served, led, cared, nurtured, inspired, and loved will never be forgotten.

Alphonzo was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor and friend.

Alphonzo was preceded in death by his parents,  mother-in-law; Ila Phillips Wilson Moore; two (2) brothers,  James Lee Carethers Jr. and John W. Carethers; one (1) brother-in-law, Isaiah "Bill" Gwynn, Jr.; and one (1) grandson, Keshaun Carethers.

Alphonzo also leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Veronica Lake Moore Carethers; one (1) daughter, Tanya Carethers; one (1) son, Antwone Carethers; three (3) grandsons, Altavian Carethers, Nasir Vance, and Antwone Vance; two (2) granddaughters; Tenasia Carethers and Sevyn Vance; one (1) brother, Harry (Mae) Carethers; three (3) sisters, Annie Caldwell, Mary (Freddie) Hopkins, and Betty Johnson; three (3) brothers-in-law; Freddie Hopkins, Pastor John Mitchell and Carl Patrick; four (4) sisters-in-law, Mae Carethers, Deaconess Maxine Gwynn, Co-Pastor Carol Ann (John) Mitchell, and Alfreda (Carl) Patrick; two (2) Godsons, Anthony (Sharetta) Mosley and Jair Smith; one (1) Goddaughter, Sydney A. Dowd-Smith; one (1) devoted cousin, Robert (Deatra) Lynch; and four (4) devoted family and friends, Trina Mack, LaMonica Agnew Small, Aisha Jones, and Sonya Watson. Alphonzo also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, band members and church family to cherish his memory.

"You're a nice one." ~ Alphonzo Carethers

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, July 11, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm Saturday, July 12, 2025 at St. Matthew Apostolic Temple Church of Jesus Christ, Inc. Entombment will follow in Gardens of Memory, Walkertown, NC. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00pm on Saturday at the Church.