Marion Sterling Receives Outstanding Alumnus Award
JSCC’s 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award Recipient Marion Sterling
Jefferson State’s 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award was presented to Marion Sterling, the 4th generation President of Davenport & Harris Funeral Home, on April 16. Founded in 1899, the funeral home is the oldest Black family-owned business in Birmingham, and the oldest Black family-owned funeral establishment in Alabama.
Davenport & Harris handled the funeral services for three of the young girls killed in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church, and the service for Civil Rights icon Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth.
Mr. Sterling is a graduate of John Carroll High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from UAB in 1978.
In 1980, he moved to California and built a successful career in the telecommunications industry, including international leadership experience with Microwave Communications Incorporated, managing the company’s Asia-Pacific market.
After 20 years, he returned to his home in Birmingham in the Titusville neighborhood. In 2006, he was named President of the funeral home to continue the family legacy. He believes his current role is truly a calling from God.
In 2012, he earned an Associate Degree in Funeral Service Education from Jefferson State. He is a licensed funeral director, embalmer, cremationist, and a pre-need sales agent.
Under Mr. Sterling’s leadership, Davenport & Harris has evolved into much more than a funeral home. It is a modern community anchor that serves families and the community in many ways, including an occasional fish fry or cookout on the weekends.
According to Jefferson State Funeral Service Director Dr. Jzyk Ennis, Mr. Sterling is constantly giving back – sponsoring students, serving on the college’s Advisory Committee, and raising vital scholarship funds for students in need.
Mr. Marion Sterling has a long-standing history of supporting others, and is extremely deserving of this honor.