Herbert Albert, Jr.

In the early dawn on Monday January 19, 2026, with heavy hearts we said goodbye to our beloved brother Herbert, Jr. Like a gentle San Francisco Bay breeze, he touched our lives in numerous ways for so many wonderful years, and then quietly moved on to his next journey to serve in eternity with his heavenly father.

Herbert was the son of the late Herbert, Sr. and Willie Albert, and was born on January 21, 1944, in the Sandy Community located just north of Gurdon, Arkansas. Herbert at an early age accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at Roanoke Baptist Church in Greenville, Arkansas.

Herbert received his early education from Henry Bell High School and graduated in May 1963. Due to limited employment opportunities in the segregated south during that era, there was a mass migration of Blacks primarily to northern and western states during the 50s-70s. Consequently, after graduating from high school, Herbert moved to greener pastures to join his older brother James in San Francisco, California. His younger sister Emma joined them a couple of years later after she graduated from high school. From that time Herbert and Emma were joined at the hip so to speak until his passing.

Not long after Herbert’s arrival in San Francisco, he joined the Church of God in Christ. Also, shortly after his arrival there, he became employed by the Aero Company for whom he delivered various supplies throughout the city. After working for many years with that company, Herbert became disabled and was no longer able to work.

Shortly after that he began getting treatment for various health problems. He did not like to experience any pain. It was a battle for the nurses to even give him an injection when needed. When he accidentally got hit in his eye he was rushed to the hospital, and when he arrived, he told the doctors to avoid further pain he did not want to undergo surgery to repair his eye.

During his down time, he loved listening to music, especially rhythm and blues. He and his little sister Velvia spent endless hours dancing the day away. They knew at any moment they would be called to dance on Soul Train. Herbert also loved eating good food. Many times, he would ask Emma to bring him some “chitlins”, and for those more “sophisticated” people in the room- chitterlings. Last but not least he was known for flirting with ALL women!

His friends called him “Midnight” because they said he was a shining light to all of them during the darkness figuratively and literally in their lives. Herbert’s friends also said he was their “go-to” person because he was very giving and always did so much to help others without expecting anything but their friendship in return.

During Herbert’s later years his health declined very quickly, which required him to spend several years in a nursing home. Although he was the “big” brother his younger sister Emma became his care giver and protector (AKA the Sheriff). Emma did not carry a gun, but her sharp tongue was the only weapon she needed to make sure the nursing home staff always provided Herbert with the best quality care possible. We in the family will never be able to find the words to adequately express our heartfelt appreciation for all Emma did to care for Herbert during the most vulnerable years of his life.

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents Herbert, Sr. and Willie Albert, and his brother James.

Herbert Leaves to cherish his memory: his sisters Emma Albert -San Francisco, CA; and Velvia (Harold) Camden, DE; his brother Roy (Ella) Little Rock, AR; sister-in-law Karen – Fairfield, CA; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and numerous other relatives and friends.

He also leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to his family, and countless unforgettable, shared wonderful memories.

“May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.”

• Julie Hebert

Lovingly submitted,

The Family