Mr. Fred Lamour Sturdivant, age 91, unexpectedly entered eternal rest on Wednesday, March 21, 2026. II Timothy 4:7-8 reads, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will reward to me on that day.” Fred was born to the late Ida Mae Ward and the late Arthur Jefferson on March 21, 1934 in Wadesboro, NC. Fred received his formal education at Wadesboro Training School, formally known as J.R. Faison School, in Wadesboro, NC. Fred was the 2nd oldest of four children. Fred received Christ as his personal savior at an early age and attended St. Mark Holiness Church-Wadesboro, NC as a young child.

After completing high school, Fred moved to Winston-Salem, NC to live with his favorite uncle, Ucer Bell Sturdivant, known as “Uncle Bell”, who was more like a father figure to him and his wife, Estelle Sturdivant, known as “Aunt Stelle”. They welcomed him into their home with love. After moving to Winston-Salem, NC, Fred worked many jobs. Some of the jobs to name were: Food Fair, Bud Smith Florist, Parkway Presbyterian Church, and a job that lasted over 25 years of employment: R.J. Reynolds Corporation. Fred retired on April 17, 1992. Fred gained many friends and acquaintances throughout his years of employment. Fred was always a friend to anyone who needed a friend and would help anyone that needed help. Fred understood at an early age that if he could help somebody along the way, then his living would not be in vain.

On September 29, 1956, Fred married the love of his life, Betty Krone of Albermarle, NC on her birthday. They both made a vow to each other to be together as long as they both should live and they did just that. Betty K. Sturdivant passed away on October 5, 2013, leaving a void that could never be filled. He kept Betty, better known as “Stew”, in his heart to hold and cherish for the rest of his life.

Together they saw the need for Christ being the head of their marriage. Together, they joined Union Chapel Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC. Fred served many capacities during his membership there. He served as Sunday School Superintendent, Head of the BTU Department, Finance Department, and served as a faithful Deacon, as long as his health allowed him to serve. Fred especially enjoyed the closeness and special bond with his present pastor, Reverend Konnie G. Robinson.

Fred and Betty enjoyed many adventures together. They traveled as far as Germany together to visit their son, Fredrick R. Sturdivant, during his tenure in the US Army. They also enjoyed sharing their lake house at Badin Lake- Baiden, NC, hosting gatherings with friends and family.

Fred was preceded in death by his daughter, Almeshia B. Krone; son-in-law, William Beasley; and siblings, John (Callie) Spencer, Earnestine Brewer, and Velma L. (William) Sullivan.

Together, Fred and Betty saw the need to share and create a family unit together. During this union their family blossomed and has continued to blossom with their surviving children, Sheila A. Davis, Fredrick R. (Brenda) Sturdivant, and Shauntha M. Beasley who all held a special place in their lives; their grandchildren, Nicole Krone, Portia (Andre) Walker, Brittany Krone, Tiffany Davis, Fredrick R. Sturdivant, II, and his “Ride or Die grandson”, Damon L. (Crystal) Sturdivant, was reared in the home for many years; four great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Bettie W. Smith of Charlotte, NC and Queen Johnson of Nebraska; a nephew hat was very special to him and loved to have old time conversations with him, Ernest Ward; a very special friend that visited him almost daily, Freddie Hopkins; The Mount Zion Senior Adult Care Center which he attended daily; and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, family, friends and his bonus grand-cat, “Pocket” that always slept near him.

Fred will be truly missed amongst many, especially by his daughter, Shauntha, that faithfully dedicated her life to care for him in the home during his illness. Fred will continually live in each of our hearts. Fred is living in his new home, a building not made by man’s hands.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Friday, March 27, 2026 at Union Chapel Baptist Church with Reverend Konnie G. Robinson officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12noon on Friday at the Church.