Alfrella Evelyn Ryals

The life and legacy of Alfrella Evelyn Ryals began on August 23, 1971, in Miami, Florida, as a beautiful baby girl to Ernell Zelner and Alfred Ryals Sr. She graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in 1990. After moving from Jacksonville, Florida, to Detroit, Michigan, she earned an AA degree in Education from Henry Ford Community College. Alfrella went on to teach at The Pentecostal Church of God Christian Academy in Detroit, Michigan.

Alfrella’s devotion to education and the Church was evident throughout her life. She inspired many students through her passion for learning and her nurturing spirit, always encouraging those around her to pursue their dreams and reach their fullest potential by trusting in the word of God. Her faith and dedication made a lasting impact on everyone she encountered, both in the classroom and beyond.

Alfrella first and foremost loved the Lord our God, Jesus Christ, with all her heart, all her soul, and all her mind, confident that her eternity was with God. She often said, if God decided to come and take her home, she would be ready. On Wednesday, September 18, 2025, God called her home, saying, “It’s time; you have fought the good fight and your work is complete. Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Alfrella was a devoted member of The Pentecostal Church of God throughout her life. She was baptized in accordance with her faith by the late Bishop C.L. Rawls, and remained under the current leadership of Bishop Charles Wilson, Sr., receiving guidance from her Pastor, Evangelist Kerry Collins. She served as the Youth Choir Director and made herself available wherever the ministry needed her.

She was a remarkably talented and versatile woman who found joy in singing, writing music, cooking, dancing, and traveling. Family was her priority. Alfrella aspired to open “Alice Rene Catering” and, most recently, was known for preparing a variety of healthy salads and Southern boiled peanut meals.

Alfrella was preceded in death by her mother, Ernell Elaine Allen; Her Father, Alfred Ryals, Sr. (Stepfather); Deacon Frank Allen; and her daughter, Jasmine Johnson.

Her loving son, Justin Emon Peterson, survives her, along with her brothers and sister: Alfred Ryals, Jr. (Tara), Quinton Burden, and Betty Davis. She is also survived by her aunts: Cassandra Muller (Herman), Kathy Pollard (Theodore), Cecelia Ryals, Renetter Randolph (Leon), and Yevetter Mallory; her uncles: Ervin V. Zelner (Lisa), Pastor Larry Ryals (Linda), and Cecil. Special cousins include Angel, Ashley, Cherie, Eugenia, Lawanda, Carlos, Andre, Andrene, Josh, Leroy, Lisa, Marcus, Christopher, Brenda, Ervin Jr., Tisma, and especially “Goo Goo Girl,” Zaisha. Alfrella cherished her friends, Brianna, Shalanda, Vincent, Sheila, Nikki, and Shannon. She leaves behind a host of nephews and nieces, including DeAngelo and Alfred III, Katera, Khadijah and Niara, as well as many dear family and friends, including Inger, Nita, Shalanda, Vincent, Todd, Greg, Sheila, Nikki, Shannon, and numerous others.

Alfrella’s life will continue to inspire and uplift all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her love, faith, and vibrant energy will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.