Alice Pearl (Chapman) Alford died on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the age of 81. Mrs. Alford was born in Danville, Georgia to the late Laura Mae Chapman and Troy Chapman. She was preceded in death by her brother Joe Louis Combs.
Mrs. Alford is survived by her husband Monroe Alford, daughter April Alford-Harkey (Marie), her sisters Martha Ann (Combs) Robinson and Mattie Marie (Combs) Moore, as well as many nieces and nephews in Macon, Georgia and Cleveland, Ohio. She is also survived by her chosen family: Tom Rice, Paula McWilliam, Elizabeth A. Westcott, Abigal Staulcup, and Benjamin Staulcup.
Mrs. Alford earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fort Valley State University in 1965. In 1968, Mr. Alford was stationed in Germany, where he, Mrs. Alford, and daughter April resided for 3 years.
Mrs. Alford earned her master’s degree in history from Boston University in 1970 by taking extension courses with living in Germany. She became a special education teacher who championed and coached the Special Olympics. Mrs. Alford loved all her students and thoroughly enjoyed her teaching career.
Mrs. Alford went on to earn a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island. She became a reference librarian at the Hampton Public library until she retired. Being a reference librarian fed her passion for knowledge and her love of helping people.
Mrs. Alford loved her family, including all of those who saw her as family, and was incredibly proud of her daughter April Alford-Harkey who is a chaplain and an Episcopal deacon.
Services will be held on Saturday. February 26 at 2 pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Reach Out and Read by clicking here.
Renna McGinnis says
April, we send our love and prayers. We donated in leu of flowers. Campfire girls of MCCPB
Angela Johnson says
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time❤️
Michele Gosd says
April
So sorry for your families loss!! I remember your mom & Dad at all your basketball games..Prayers to all..
Susana says
Our loss is heaven’s gain. My heart hurts for your loss. Your mom is a special person.
Allison says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom had a wonderful, sweet, compassionate, and gentle spirit. May God hold you in His strong arms, and gentle hands.
Patricia M O'Connell says
April and Marie,
My sincerest condolences to you. This obituary is a lovely tribute to your mother. Be assured of my prayers for the two of you, your father, and your mother’s extended family during this time of grieving.
John Rice says
We are so sorry that Alice is gone but know she will bring new light to that heavenly place. She was so important to Tom and all of us actually. I suspect along with her kitties that Gus, Winnie and Eldredge are enjoying her company. Much love to all.
Landya McCafferty says
Until her recent move out of the neighborhood, Alice lived a few houses down the street from us. She loved sticking her head out and saying “hello” to all of us when we were walking the dog. My two girls always loved seeing her because she was so friendly, warm and kind to them. Alice was a special person. Our prayers are with April and her whole extended and adopted family.
Ann Ringling says
April and family,
I served on Altar Guild with Alice and have always held her in highest regard. My deepest sympathy.
Ann Ringling
Bobb Menk says
Working with Alice in the reference dept at the Hampton library was wonderful! There was no one more gracious – both to people coming in for help and to the staff she worked with. I happened to run into her at the grocery store just before Christmas and we had a great chat just catching up with each other! I’m so sorry she’s gone! My condolences to you all. She’s in my prayers.
Marion Taylor says
So sorry to hear of you mom’s passing. The two of us would talk about how we met years ago on Pease AFB. She was a joy to be with, our conversations on the phone, our outings in Portsmouth, lunches at Beach Pea, she thought they made the best sandwiches. I will surely miss those outings. Her family meant so much to her, her kitty, she loved you all dearly.