A Celebration of the Life of Alvin Tyron Ames

The year 1952 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Black Americans, a time of significant change. Terms like “Colored People” began to evolve into “African American,” and the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education was heard in the Supreme Court, pushing for the desegregation of schools. Amidst these societal shifts, another historical moment quietly unfolded in Cheriton, Virginia. On December 21, 1952, Cecil and Alice Ames welcomed their first child together into the world, a tiny baby boy named Alvin Tyrone Ames. Most people knew him by another name: Top Cat.

Originally, his nickname was “Top Kick,” inspired by a horse in the western movie The Wild Stallion. According to family stories, Top Cat was with our parents to see the film, and when he began to cry during the show, someone shouted, “Shut up, Top Kick!” His little sister, Dorothy, couldn’t quite pronounce "Top Kick," so she called him Top Cat instead. The name stuck, along with the spirit of that fearless horse. That day at the movies may have ignited in him the great art of storytelling that would become an integral part of who he was.

Although Top Cat never served in the military, despite it being his heart’s desire, he lived through vivid and convincing tales of Army adventures. If you had the pleasure of meeting him, chances are you heard one of those legendary stories.

Top Cat attended Capeville Elementary School and later attended Machipongo High School in Machipongo, Virginia. At an early age, he was baptized and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, joining First Baptist Church. Although he may not have attended Sunday Services regularly, reading the Bibleremained a constant in his life.

On July 6, 1974, at the age of 21, Top Cat married Evelyn Lucille Boatwright. Together, they started their family, welcoming a son named Alvin O. Ames (Jody).

Over the years, Top Cat worked in various roles that showcased both his strong work ethic. He worked at Webster Canning Factory, caught live chickens for Perdue, labored at the Bay Shore Cement Plant, did migrant work from Delaware to Florida, worked as a gardener on Butler’s Bluff, and volunteered for county clean-up efforts.

As a child, while other kids worked in the fields, Top Cat often kicked the bottoms out of their baskets and used the round bottoms as a makeshift steering wheel to "drive" around them in his imaginary vehicle. He was also quite inquisitive and wanted to understand how things worked. One Christmas, after receiving a brand new 10-speed bicycle, Top Cat decided to take it apart and then reassemble it. However, for some reason, he didn’t put the seat back on. As a result, Top Cat rode that bike without a seat for a long time, with his leg positioned under the crossbar.

Later in life, however, he became the person everyone counted on to handle the jobs no one else wanted or even knew how to do. Whether it was removing snakes from people's homes or unwanted wildlife from the yard, Top Cat never hesitated. He approached every task without complaint, usually with a grin, and always displayed a quiet kind of bravery and humor that made even the toughest situations bearable. You could always count on him not just for the hard jobs, but also for his steady presence, patience, big heart, and the ability to remember everyone’s birthdate.

Alvin was preceded in death by both parents, Cecil Alvin Ames and Alice W. Ames; his sister, Vivian Brown of Franklin, VA; his brother, Agailious (Sonny) Ames (Betty) of Philadelphia, PA; and his brother-in-law, James Barnes (Maxzine).

Alvin leaves behind cherished memories for his family: his son, Alvin Othello Ames; daughter, Lashaun Boatwright; grandson, Jonas Othello Ames; granddaughter, Tranetta Monique Bundick; and great-granddaughter, Tamsyn Lenore Ames. He is also survived by his brothers, Larry Ames of Cheapside, VA, and Cecil L. Ames III (Shirley), along with five sisters: Dorothy Robinson (Luther) of Wilmington, DE; Deborah Selby (Michael) of Kiptopeke, VA; Maxzine Ames of Cheapside, VA; Esme Theresa Morgan of Cheapside, VA; and Regina Ames of Wilmington, DE.

Additionally, he is remembered by a host of nieces and nephews, especially those he jokingly said he helped raise, Donna Howell, La’Mont Ames, Bernard Carter, Taquita Carter, and IeashaAmes, as well as many great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. His caregivers included niece Yakima Ames, sister Theresa Morgan, and hospice staff.

Alvin will be remembered for his colorful stories, his willingness to help anyone in need, even in the hardest of times. He lived fully, loved deeply, and left his legacy that will continue to echo through the generations.

 

Lovingly Submitted

The Family