Back to Obituaries M.F. Riley's Funeral Home | Fairfax, SC

Reverend Louis Albany, Sr.

12/04/1939 - 02/16/2026

Obituary For Reverend Louis Albany, Sr.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul: He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Reverend Louis Albany, Sr., dedicated his life to his community and touched the religious, social, and civic lives of all people.

Reverend Louis Albany, Sr. was born on December 4, 1939, to the late Herman Albany, Sr. and the late Charity Albany.

His faith and belief in God were expressed at an early age when he united with the membership of Greater St. James AME Church in Fairfax, South Carolina. A devoted man of faith, he was a faithful and active member, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Class Leader, and Church Secretary. He served diligently until his health began to decline.

He was a graduate of Fairfax Training School, Class of 1959. He later furthered his education at Denmark Technical College, where he earned an Associate Degree.

After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country faithfully, receiving an Honorable Discharge. Following his military service, he began a distinguished career as an upholsterer, working in the trade for over 40 years. His craftsmanship, dedication, and strong work ethic earned him the respect of colleagues and customers alike.

On January 21, 1967, he was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Rose Ella Albany.

“May the work I’ve done speak for me…” Reverend Albany became a licensed preacher on January 26, 1992, and was ordained an Elder on October 13, 1995. He served as Associate Pastor of Greater St. James AME Church beginning in 1997, Supply Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Garrett, SC, and Associate Pastor of Grant Chapel AME Church in Bamberg, SC, and later as Pastor of Joshua AME Church in Green Pond, SC, where he eventually retired.

In addition to his pastoral leadership, he was a volunteer board member for the Allendale County Lowcountry Healthcare System beginning in 1977, which was established to ensure that Allendale and Hampton Counties had adequate medical personnel, facilities, and equipment to meet the needs of the community. He also served as a volunteer Commissioner for Elections, faithfully working the polls during elections.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five siblings: Mary Alice Barnes, Etta Ree Gaynor, Annie Lee Gardner, Evangelista Ruth E. Bing, and Martin Albany.

Reverend Albany transitioned from labor to reward on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Left to cherish his memory and carry on his remarkable legacy are: His loving and devoted wife of the home: Rose Ella Albany; (4) Daughters: Rosette (Michael) Hamlin, Valarie (Michael) Squirewell, all of Columbia, SC; Denise (David) Brown; Moncks Corner, SC; and Sonja (Charles) Cureton; Columbia, SC; (1) Son: Louis (Jennifer) Albany, Jr., Columbia, SC; (15) Grandchildren: Cedrick, Crystal, Malehah, Nicole, Grayson, Makayla, Justin, Courtney, Trevor, Dasia, Dannielle, David Jr., ZaQuavious, Mykail, Taylor, Aubrey, Jaylen, Makayla, and Xavior; (9) Great – Grandchildren; (1) Great – Great Grandchild; (5) Siblings: Lizzie Haggans; Fairfax, SC; Dorothy Bulter; Florida; Vivian (Anthony) Hoover, Walter Albany, Herman (Rose) Albany, Jr., all of Fairfax, SC; Reared as a sister: Teresa (Sidney) Loadholt; Fairfax, SC. A host of loving special nieces, nephews, devoted cousins, and sympathizing friends.

Please remember to keep the Albany family lifted in prayer.

“A SERVICE ABOVE SELF”

You may email condolences: mfrileysfuneralhome@yahoo.com

Send flowers to the service of Reverend Louis Albany, Sr.


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Services

Interment

Feb
28
Greater St. James AME Church Cemetery

187 Pocotaligo Rd.
Fairfax, SC 29827

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Funeral Service

Feb
28
Happy Home Baptist Church

336 Railroad Avenue
Allendale, SC 29810

1:00 PM
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Visitation

Feb
28
Greater St. James AME

187 Pocotaligo Rd.
Fairfax, SC 29827

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Condolences & Tributes

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Rosalind Chavis sent Mixed Spray for Reverend Louis Albany, Sr. - February 26, 2026

Send flowers for Reverend Louis Albany, Sr.

To the Albany Family, Rev. Biner Lawyer-Green and Joshua A.M.E. Church families are praying for you and your family. Rev. Albany was one of the pastors at Joshua. Rev. Albany and Sis. Albany's pictures are in Joshua's Followership Hall at Joshua. We are so grateful for the work that was done by Rev. and Sis. Albany. May God continue to keep and strengthen the family.

Rev. Biner Lawyer-Green

To the Albany, I am so very sorry. From the moment you all walked into the office, you were kind and so sweet. Thank you. Mrs. Albany, I am so deeply sorry for this loss. You and your husband are such a light, and your love shows us that there is always hope. Thank you both for being so kind and caring. You are in my prayers. May you never forget the love and the memories. You and your family are in my prayers.

With Love, Naomi Sanders

Naomi Sanders

My sincerest condolences to the Albany family. I am thankful for all the times Mr. and Mrs. Albany welcomed me into their home. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! 🙏🏾

Shanika Taylor

Praying for the Albany family🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Jamie Hudson

My condolences to the Albany family 🙏🏿❤️🌹

Barbara Shipman

My condolences to the family during this difficult time.

Clayton Mance

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

M.F. Riley's Funeral Home | Fairfax, SC

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