Rev. Alfred E. Statesman
October 18, 1932 ~ April 26, 2026
Celebrating the Life of Rev. Alfred E. Statesman
Reverend Alfred Ellis Statesman was born October 18, 1932, in Valley Lee, Maryland to the late Ellis and Mary Elizabeth (Cutchember) Statesman. He went to be with his heavenly father on April 26, 2026. He was raised in a Christian household and taught to have faith in God at an early age.
He received his high school diploma from Jarboesville High School in 1949. He furthered his education through theological studies and ministerial training, equipping himself for a lifelong calling to serve in pastoral ministry.
On March 26, 1955, Rev. Statesman married the love of his life, Eva Smith. Later that same year he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served honorably in South Korea until1957. After his honorable discharge, Rev. Statesman was able to reunite with his bride to continue their devoted and enduring union.
Rev. Statesman’s pastoral ministry was deeply rooted in family legacy, passed down through generations from his great-grandfather, Rev. Hezekiah Statesman, his grandfather, Rev. Joseph Statesman, and his father, Ellis Statesman.
He began his ministry as a local preacher at St. Mark Union American Methodist Episcopal Church. Several years later, he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church(later known as the United Methodist Church) and his first appointment was as a local pastor of Bethesda United Methodist Church in Valley Lee, Maryland.
In 1976 he began his first full time appointment at the Edgewood/Greenspring Parish in Lutherville, Maryland where he served for four years. In 1980 he was appointed to Lewin United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland where he served for 2 years. In 1982 he and his family relocated when he was appointed to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Martinsburg, WV, where he ministered until his retirement in 2002.
During his time in West Virginia, Rev Statesman developed a strong outreach ministry, becoming deeply connected to individuals in the community who needed hope, love and support. He made himself available to provide encouragement and to share the love of Christ with everyone he encountered. He became widely known as the “Community Pastor” of Martinsburg and built meaningful relationships with local government officials and social service organizations. Among his many impactful initiatives was an annual street revival that brought hundreds of souls to Christ.
After returning to his home in Valley Lee, MD in 2002, Rev. Statesman continued his outreach ministry. Alongside his beloved wife, he co-founded “God’s Hands Extended Ministry,” offering Bible Study and strengthening community connections with individuals and local churches.
In 2006, Rev. Statesman accepted a part-time pastoral appointment at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in St. Inigoes, Maryland. During his tenure, he established an intercessory prayer ministry, developed a vibrant youth ministry, and launched an annual Vacation Bible School serving children and youth in the community. He also founded a youth choir, a praise dance ministry, and a food pantry to support those in need. He remained in his role until his second retirement in 2013.
Rev. Statesman’s life mission was to share the message of the Kingdom of God and lead others into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
Rev. Statesman was also a devoted family man. His 71-year marriage to Eva was beautiful testament to faithfulness, love and mutual respect. They were inseparable, and all who knew them admired the strength and affection of their bond. He was the proud father of three daughters and took great joy in reminding them daily that they were cherished and deeply loved. He built strong, nurturing relationships with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Known for his warm sense of humor, Rev. Statesman delighted in practical jokes that brought laughter and joy to those around him.
truly a unit and everyone who knew them was amazed that their relationship remained close and affectionate after so many years of marriage.
Rev. Statesman also had a well-known love for sweets. He never turned down cake, pie, cookies or any treat offered with love. An accomplished baker himself, he was especially known for his homemade sour cream pound cake, a family favorite often requested for holidays and special occasions.
Above all, Rev. Statesman was a man of grace, integrity, honor and peace. Each day, he sought to please and honor God in all he did. His life’s guiding principle was: “May the work I’ve done speak for me.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Mary Statesman; his brother, Warren A. Statesman; and his sister, Winifred A. Wilson.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 71 years, Eva Cecelia Statesman; three daughters, Diane Edison (George) Mary “Cee Cee” Statesman-Brown and Rev. Jessica Hayden (Otis); one brother, Rev Joseph S. Statesman; grandchildren Jennifer Deshields, Brittany Spellers (Donald) Jeremy Brown (Markita) Ellis Laury, Timothy Hayden and Hezekiah Hayden; great-grandchildren Destiny Deshields, Jasemine Edison and Terrence Spellers; sisters-in-law Mary Mae Smith, Mary Moore, and Esther Smith; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in First Missionary Church, Lexington Park, MD. Where a Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM with Rev. Roderick McClanahan officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mark’s U.A.M.E. Church Cemetery, Valley Lee, MD. Pallbearers will be Otis Hayden, Alexander Statesman, Alfred Jordan, Louis Jordan, William Jordan, and Kirk Miller. Honorary Pallbearers will be Johnny Brooks, Keith Coleman, George Edison, and Orlando Morre, Jr.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD
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Mr Statesman was one of the nicest people I ever met. I met him when I worked for T. N. Bowes Heating and AC. Later when I had moved on to another job he would stop in share a laugh and head for home. I know he is in heaven smiling down on us. RIP You will be missed