Dr. Chester Alfronza Aikens February 8, 1951-December 5, 2013 Dr. Aikens is the third child of five children born to the late Augustus D. Aikens, Sr. and the late Lucile B. Aikens. He married Emma Jean Johnson on August 4, 1974. This union was blessed with two sons: Chester, II and Chae. Dr. Aikens successfully practiced dentistry in Duval County for the past 34 years. He was a life-long learner with a deep love and respect for his Lord, family, friends, people, education and his community. He was a trailblazer since his elementary school days, being among the first students to integrate Madison High School in 1965; graduating with honors and perfect attendance from elementary through high school in 1969. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida State University in 1973 where he majored in biology and chemistry. He entered dental school in 1973 and received his D.D.S. degree with honors from Howard University in 1977. He was commissioned into the United States Army as captain and spent two years at Fort Benning, Georgia. He later achieved the rank of major in the Florida Army Reserve National Guard. Dr. Aikens was in the first graduating class from the Florida Coastal School of Law and was admitted to the Florida and the District of Columbia Bar Association. He also earned an MBA from Jacksonville University in 1999. Most recently he completed diaconate training and became a deacon at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church. Dr. Aikens had a passion for contributing to his community. He was a consummate volunteer and served on numerous boards and committees. At the time of passing, he was on the Aviation Authority, Gator Bowl Association, Jacksonville Civic Council and the Jacksonville Downtown Revitalization Committee. Dr. Aikens is survived by his wife, Jean and sons, Chester II Chet and Chae; sisters: Barbara Stephens, Rhonda Moore (Ronnie) and Katrina Aikens (Jerome); brother: Judge Augustus D. Aikens (LaGrande); mother-in law: Georgia Hudson Johnson; sisters-in-law: Jenethel Davis (Charles), Doretha Anderson (Jesse), Dorothy Youman and Pauline Miller (Cornell); aunts: Mattie Bowles, Lillian Balloon, Lillie B. Nesbitt, Nellie Balloon, Irene Aikens and Leola Garvanda (Arne); uncle: Ulysses Balloon; also many devoted nieces, nephews, godchildren, mentees and sorrowing friends. FUNERAL SERVICE will be Friday, December 13, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, 215 Bethel Baptist St., Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr. & Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr., pastors. Visitation will be held at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church on Thursday, December 12th, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with reflections from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service. Interment will be in Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church & Cemetery, Cherry Lake, FL on Saturday, December 14, 2013. On Saturday, Dr. Aikens will rest for visitation at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, 407 NE Mt. Zion Church Ave., Madison, FL, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with reflections at 11:00 a.m. and committal service following with Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr. & Rev. Ernestine Barkley, officiating. Arrangements entrusted to the EASTSIDE CHAPEL of MARION GRAHAM MORTUARIES, 900 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Marion Graham, Jr., L.F.D. & E. & Ganzy Funeral Home, Inc., 1171 SW State Road 14, Madison, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Aikens name to the Ritz Chamber Players or the Children s Ministry of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church
Published in the Florida Times-Union on Dec. 11,