Alph onso Kirven's life journey began on April 18, 1941, in Florence, S.C. He was born to the late Annie Mae Peoples Kirven and Robert Kirven. Alphonso is preceded in death by his mother and father, and five siblings, three of which were brothers: Luther Ford Kirven, Robert Kirven Jr., and Hikie Kirven, and two sisters: Vivian K. Frazier and Vernia K. Johnson. He peacefully entered eternal rest on July 19, 2022.

In 1960, Alphonso graduated from Wilson High School and became an active member of the Florence Youth Branch of the NAACP. On March 3-4, 1960, Alphonso along with chapter members, courageously participated in 'Civil Rights Sit-Ins' in Florence, S.C. To protest segregation, Wilson High School Students marched from Trinity Baptist Church to sit-in at the Kress store's lunch counter. A historical marker is located at the intersection of Dargan and Evans Streets in Florence to commemorate the event.

Alphonso was hired as the first African American salesman and driver for Florence Merita Bakery and would retire decades later.

Alphonso will forever be remembered as a caring, loving, and generous person. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching his favorite teams – the Dallas Cowboys, Golden State Warriors, and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Alphonso was a God- fearing man who loved his family friends. Those left to cherish his loving memory are his three sisters: Modisteen K. Mack and Vannjo K. (Roosevelt) Williams of Darlington, S.C. and Sandra K. Green of Antioch, California; one brother: Thornell (Hattie) Kirven, Florence, S.C; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and special friend Gina Wilder.