Irvin O. Kemp

Irvin O. Kemp was born September 13, 1927 in Savannah, Georgia where he attended the Public Schools, graduating from Beech High School. From there he went to Clark College (which is now Clark Atlanta University) located in Atlanta, Georgia. While at Clark College he pledged in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, later he became a life member. He graduated from Clark with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry. From Clark College he was employed by the Board of Education in Statesboro, Georgia. While teaching in Statesboro, Uncle Sam came calling. He was inducted into the United States Army, serving two years. He received an honorable discharge after reaching the rank of First Sergeant. After returning from the military, he applied for employment with the insurance business, working there for a short time. It was during this time he met and later married, Evelyn Geneva Byron. Still yearning for higher education, he applied to the Howard University Master’s Program. He also took classes at George Washington University. He applied for employment at the United States Post Office, working at night while attending classes during the day. Just by chance, he decided to scan the United States employment board and discovered openings for Chemists. He applied and was accepted into employment at the Bureau of Miners located on the campus of the University of Maryland. Next on the agenda was to locate a church. He and his family joined the Allen A.M.E. church. He quickly became a member to remember serving on many boards and committees and singing with the Allen Echoes Choir. He was the co-founder of the Scout Troop at Allen. Always, civically involved he also served as the President of the Douglas Junior High PTA. Through all of his involvement he still found time for trips with his family. Still climbing professionally, he applied for employment as an Analytical Chemist at the Naval Photographic Center and again he was blessed by being selected for the position. During his employment with the Naval Photographic Research and Development Center he traveled extensively to cities in states where Navy installations were located to perform research. Finally, he decided to retire and enjoy life. But that yearning for higher education hit him again. This time he was off to the University of the District of Columbia to get a Master’s Degree in Gerontology. After graduation, he was offered a position with the School of Gerontology where he taught for 10 years, finally retiring in 1996. He enjoyed working in his yard and attending and participating in church. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Evelyn; sons Gary and Dennis; grandchildren Chyrise, Henri (Erin) and Courtney (Kennard); great grandchildren Kayla, Ellison and Cori; brother Arnold Kemp and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by grandson, Dennis Jr.

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Irvin O. Kemp

September 13, 1927 - April 5, 2020