DELAWARE OBITUARIES OF ALFORDS
AND SPELLING VARIATIONS
Obituaries are listed alphabetically by FIRST name. Included
are people whose last name, maiden name, or married name is Alford or a
spelling variation: Alfred, Alvord, Allford, Halford, Hallford, Holford, etc.
The name of the newspaper (or other source) and place and
date of publication follow the name of the deceased. If we included the
obituary in AAFA ACTION, the issue is noted.
The Alford American Family Association (AAFA) has often
added AAFA NOTES for each obituary,
including Social Security Death Index (SSDI) data, relationship of the deceased
to other Alfords, and lineages.
Where lineages are included (Alford unless otherwise
stated), the format is: Name, year of birth, state or country of birth.
We welcome corrections and additional information. If you
have an obituary from this state that is not included here, please share it
with us!
Date posted: 16 NOVEMBER 2010
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DAVID PAUL ALFORD
NEWS JOURNAL
Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE—Sunday, 13 March 2005
David Paul Alford—Age 49, of Wilmington, DE died
Friday, March 11, 2005 at home.
Dave was currently employed as a sales manager
for Berger Brothers in Wilmington, and had been there for about 20 years. He
earned his associates degree from Wesley College. He was a very active member
of Crossroads Presbyterian Church, where he served as a member of the Music
Worship Team. He was an accomplished musician, writing his own music. He
enjoyed the beach and quiet times at home. Dave was a dear and caring man that
was loved by everyone.
He is survived by his wife, Selina C. Alford;
his father, Lawrence T. Alford and his wife, Jean of Smyrna; his mother, Helen
D. Alford of Middletown; 2 brothers, Jeff Alford and his wife, Shannon of New
Castle and Steve Alford of Clayton and his fiance, Chrissy of Newark; 2
sisters, Heather Triozzi and her husband, John of West Chester and Terry
Eldridge and her husband, Bob of Townsend. Dave is also survived by several
nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be Wednesday evening at 7
pm at Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 627 Vance Neck Road, Middletown. Friends
may call at the Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington on
Wednesday from 11-1 pm. Graveside service will be Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm
at Gracelawn Memorial Park, DuPont Highway, New Castle....
AAFA NOTES: SSDI records
show that David P. Alford (SS# issued in DE) was born 18 Sept 1955.
See the obituary of his uncle Wayne A. Alford in
this compilation.
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GILBERT MICHAEL ALFORD
DELAWARE STATE NEWS
Dover, Kent Co., DE—Tuesday, 2 December 2003
TOWNSEND
[New Castle Co ]—Gilbert
Michael Alford of Townsend died Friday, Nov. 28, 2003. He was 37.
Mr.
Alford had worked as a heavy equipment operator for the past 14 years. He had
worked for Daisy Construction for seven years and for Eastern States
Construction for the past three months.
He
enjoyed NASCAR, playing pool and was an avid hunter.
He
is survived by his parents, Gilbert and Ruth Ann Alford of Townsend; two
sisters, Cheryl Comer of Townsend and Pamela Alford of Bear; a brother, Glen
Alford of Townsend; and two nephews, Greg Alford and Willard Scott.
Friends
may call from 7 to 9 tonight in Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, Main
Street, Townsend.
Services
will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.
Burial
will be in Townsend Cemetery.
AAFA NOTES: SSDI
records do not list his death.
******************************************
HAILE LORRAINE ALFORD
Photo
from Delaware Online, 23 February
2007
NEWS JOURNAL
Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE—Tuesday, 12 August 2003
Delaware Superior Court Judge Haile L. Alford
was found dead at her Pike Creek home Monday by New Castle County police after
she did not show up for grand jury proceedings she was to oversee.
The cause of death was not released, but county
police said their initial investigation did not indicate foul play. Alford was
54.
“She was a remarkable judge, well thought of by
her fellow judges and court employees,” said Art Bernardino, Superior Court
administrator. “She was a pleasure to work with.”
Appointed by former Gov. Mike Castle in 1992,
Alford became the first black woman to serve on the state’s Superior Court.
Before her appointment, she worked as counsel for Aqualon Co., a Hercules Inc.
subsidiary.
Alford was a native of New York and received her
bachelor of arts degree from Herbert H. Lehman College, City University of New
York, in 1971. She earned her law degree from Rutgers University School of
Law-Camden. She was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1976 and to the
Delaware Bar in 1981.
County police forced their way into Alford’s
home about 2 p.m., after she didn’t answer their knocks at the door, Officer
1st Class Trinidad Navarro, police spokesman, said. The state Medical Examiner’s
Office will determine how she died.
“Judge Alford will be missed by her friends and
her colleagues,” Gov. Ruth Ann Minner said through a spokeswoman. “Her family
should be proud of the service she rendered to the state of Delaware.”
Alford is survived by her son, Julian, and
daughter, Kaamilah.
Many in Delaware’s legal community were shocked
to learn of the judge’s death.
“Judge Alford was a role model for so many of us
… who practice in the community,” said Chipman L. Flowers Jr., an attorney with
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in Wilmington. Flowers, who is
chairman of the Multicultural Judges & Lawyers Section of the Delaware
State Bar Association, said Alford often spoke at the organization’s October
gathering to welcome new minority members.
Flowers also said that Alford was always willing
to give advice to attorneys seeking it. “She was a mover and a shaker, but she
never wanted to be in the limelight,” he said.
Delaware Public Defender Larry Sullivan said
many attorneys enjoyed appearing before Alford. “She was a wonderful judge, who
had no bias whatsoever,” he said.
Delaware Attorney General M. Jane Brady said she
and Alford often talked to each other about the importance of being role
models, especially to young women. “We wanted to let young girls know that they
could dare to dream and to reach for goals,” Brady said.
Prior to Alford’s nomination, then-Gov. Castle
had been criticized by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People for his lack of minority judicial appointments. But Castle, now Delaware’s
member of the U.S. House of Representatives, said he appointed Alford because
of her qualifications, not because she was a minority.
“I got to know her through the process. I was
very impressed by her,” he said. “Such a loss is very hard to comprehend.”
Court administrators said they did not know what
would happen with Alford’s caseload. “At this point, no one is thinking of
that,” Bernardino said.
In another
article:
NEWS JOURNAL
Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE—Friday, 15 August 2003
The Honorable Haile L. Alford passed away
suddenly August 11, 2003 at her residence.
Judge Alford was born in Brooklyn, NY to William
and Eleanor Alford. She was a resident of Wilmington, DE for more than 26
years. Appointed by former Governor Michael N. Castle in 1992, Judge Alford
became the first African American woman to serve on the Delaware State Supreme
Court. She remained in that position until her death. Judge Alford received her
Bachelor of Arts degree from Herbert H. Lehman College-City University of New
York in 1971. She earned her law degree from Rutgers University School of Law
in Camden, NJ in 1976 and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar the same year.
Admission to the Delaware Bar followed in 1981. Prior to her appointment to the
bench, Judge Alford was employed with Hercules, Inc. and Aqualon Company.
Judge Alford held membership in a myriad of
organizations that reflected her wide-ranging interests and active
responsibility to the legal profession and her commitment to making the greater
Wilmington community a better place in which to live. This included the
Delaware State Bar Association: Women in Law Division and Multicultural Judges
and Lawyers Division; Board of Governors for the National Bar Association
Judicial Council; Philadelphia Judicial Council; and Board of Managers for the
Wilmington Library. Past memberships included board member of New Castle County
Head Start; board member of Delaware Adolescence Program, Inc.; a member of
Task Force on Racial and Ethnic Fairness; committee of the Delaware Supreme
Court and the Governor’s Council on Labor. Some of her hobbies were bridge,
sewing, biking and collecting antiques.
Judge Alford will be lovingly remembered by her
devoted son and daughter, Julian and Kaamilah Moore; 3 brothers, William D.,
Jr., Harry W. and Douglas B. Alford; 2 sisters-in-law, Patrice and Esther
Alford; 2 nephews, William and Harry, Jr.; 3 nieces, Kia, Nicole and Tasha;
several aunts, uncles and cousins; and a host of devoted friends and judiciary
associates. In addition to her parents, her brother, Norris Alford, preceded
her in death.
Homegoing Celebration will be 4 pm Sunday,
August. 17 at St. Paul UAME Church, 3114 N. Market St., Wilmington. There will
be no viewing. Interment will be in The Evergreens Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY....
Arrangements by Congo Funeral Home.
In another
article:
NEWS JOURNAL
Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE—Friday, 15 August 2003
Memorial services for Haile L. Alford, a
Delaware Superior Court judge who often said “God bless you” to those she
sentenced, will be Sunday in Wilmington.
The “homegoing celebration” will take place at 4
p.m. at St. Paul UAME Church, 3114 N. Market St. There will be no viewing. She
will be buried Tuesday in The Evergreens Cemetery in Brooklyn, N.Y....
The state Medical Examiner’s Office does not
expect to have a cause of death for six to eight weeks, said Allison Taylor
Levine, Delaware Health and Social Services spokeswoman....
In another
article:
NEWS JOURNAL
Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE—Tuesday, 7 October 2003
The state Medical Examiner’s Office said Monday
that Delaware Superior Court Judge Haile L. Alford died of heart failure due to
high blood pressure.
Alford, 54, was found dead at her Pike Creek
home Aug. 11 by New Castle County police who were called to check on her after
she failed to show up for grand jury proceedings. How long Alford had been dead
was not released by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
The graduate of Rutgers University School of
Law-Camden lived alone....
In another
article:
DELAWARE LAW WEEKLY
Wednesday, 20 August 2003
JUDGE ALFORD REMEMBERED BY PEERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS
By Darrel W. Cole
Superior Court Judge Haile L. Alford, who died
last week in her Pike Creek home, is being remembered as a compassionate jurist
and person whose New York City upbringing contributed to a quick wit and
energetic personality.
The 54-year-old made lasting impressions on
those who knew her.
To members of the judiciary, she discharged her
duties with integrity and respected those who appeared before her. Judge Alford
has the distinction of being the first black woman to serve on a state
constitutional court, which includes the Supreme Court, Chancery Court and
Superior Court.
Young lawyers in the bar considered her a
mentor, always available for advice or support.
Friends recall Judge Alford having wisdom, a
passion for life and varied hobbies and interests, including being a seamstress
and once owning a small antique shop in downtown Wilmington.
“She loved life and was the most vibrant, witty,
energetic and entertaining person I knew,” said longtime friend Arnetta McRae
of Delaware.
“We will miss our friend and the camaraderie we
all had with her,” said Superior Court President Judge Henry duPont Ridgely. “She
showed throughout her life a special compassion and dignity, and, as a mentor
for young members of the bar, she will be very difficult to replace.”
Judge Alford handled civil and criminal cases in
New Castle County. Ridgely said her scheduled hearings are being assigned as
judges are available to hear them. Other cases may have to be postponed, he
said.
Ridgely expects to hold a memorial court
session, but a date has not been set.
Judge Alford’s funeral services were to be held
Aug. 17, at St. Paul UAME Church in Wilmington. She was buried Aug. 19, in The
Evergreen Cemetery in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Judge Alford’s brother, Harry Alford of
Freeport, N.Y., said authorities are telling the family his sister died of
natural causes, although the autopsy by the county Medical Examiner’s Office is
still pending.
On Aug. 11, New Castle County police found Judge
Alford dead on her bed inside her home. She was last seen Aug. 8, said Harry Alford.
She lived alone, having divorced several years before.
After Judge Alford failed to show up for a grand
jury hearing, a court employee called 911. Police were then sent out on a “welfare
check,” said police Officer 1st Class Trinidad Navarro.
When police arrived they knocked on the door,
but no one answered. Officers then disabled the front door lock and entered the
home.
Officers found Judge Alford lying on her bed.
Medical personnel were called to the scene, but it was apparent she was already
dead, police said.
Navarro said the doors and windows were still
locked and nothing appeared out of place. “There was no other evidence obtained
at the scene to point to any sort of foul play,” Navarro said.
Judge Alford’s friends said she had high blood
pressure but otherwise appeared healthy. She recently took up bicycling.
Last year, Judge Alford’s younger brother was
found dead in his home in New York City after suffering from heart
complications caused by heart disease, said Harry Alford.
In 1992, former Gov. Michael N. Castle nominated
Judge Alford to the Superior Court bench. Her 12-year term was due to expire in
July 2004, but sources confirmed she most recently applied for the vacant vice
chancellor post on the Court of Chancery.
Judge Alford grew up in Brooklyn, and in 1971
received a bachelor’s degree in history from Herbert H. Lehman College, City
University of New York. She was a junior high school teacher for a few years
before attending law school at Rutgers University in Camden. She earned her law
degree in 1976, and joined the law department at Hercules Inc.
She was the first black woman lawyer to work in
the Hercules law department. She also worked at Aqualon Co., a division of
Hercules.
Judge Alford was a member of the Richard S. Rodney
Inn of Court and was involved in several community organizations.
Mentor and Advocate
Judge Alford was a mentor to many young lawyers.
“What stands out for me is she was so candid and
upfront when I sought advice,” said Chipman L. Flowers, chairman of the state
bar’s Multicultural Judges and Lawyers Section. “What was important to her was
that lawyers knew she was there.”
Delaware Supreme Court Justice Randy J. Holland
said Judge Alford was hardworking “but always had a smile, regardless of the
load she was carrying.”
State Attorney General M. Jane Brady said Judge
Alford cared about her role in the community.
“To her, she felt an obligation to be a role
model.”
Delaware State Bar Association President Charles
S. McDowell said Judge Alford “discharged her legal and judicial
responsibilities in the highest tradition of our bench and bar.”
Judge Alford spoke at and attended many minority
job fairs. As a way of inspiring others, she talked with passion about striving
for lofty goals and of her own experience breaking down barriers, said Joshua
W. Martin III, president of Verizon Delaware Inc.
Martin, also a Rutgers graduate and longtime
friend, remembers Judge Alford telling him he must accept his 1982 appointment
to Superior Court because, as the first minority appointed to a state
constitutional court, “it is historically significant.”
“It’s funny, because I recall those were the
same words I told her when she was nominated for the bench in 1992,” Martin
said.
Friends will miss her sound advice.
“Judge Alford was everyone’s sounding board,”
said McRae, a friend of 30 years, and chairwoman of the Delaware Public
Services Commission. “I can’t even comprehend not having her insights and input
anymore.”
Judge Alford is survived by son Julian and
daughter Kaamilah Moore; brothers William, Harry and Douglas; and many other
relatives. Her parents and her brother Norris preceded her in death....
In another
article:
Delaware
Online
23 February 2007
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: 10 FIRSTS IN THE FIRST STATE
SEVERAL
AFRICAN-AMERICAN LEADERS IN DELAWARE HAVE ACHIEVED NO. 1 STATUS
Delaware Superior Court Judge Haile L. Alford
became the first black woman to serve on the state’s Superior Court.
Judge Haile Alford, the first black woman
appointed to the bench of Delaware’s Superior Court, “could talk to anyone from
a janitor to a Supreme Court justice and be comfortable,” said her secretary,
Benita Smith.
Alford grew up in New York and earned a law
degree from Rutgers University after several years of teaching. In 1976, she
went to work for Hercules, where she handled corporate matters such as labor
arbitration and purchasing.
Gov. Mike Castle appointed her to the bench in
1992. The judiciary suited Alford well because of her analytical mind and
understanding of others’ circumstances, said friend Arnetta McRae.
Alford made it a point to mentor young adults
because she felt she had lacked role models. “One may never know that they did
something to encourage a person,” Alford said in a 1997 interview. “But I think
we all are role models … and we should always strive to be the best we can be.”
She died in 2003.
AAFA NOTES: SSDI
records show that Haile L. Alford (SS# issued in NY) was born 2 July 1949.
******************************************
JOHN WAYNE HALFORD, SR.
NEWS JOURNAL
Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE—Friday, 28 November 2003
John W. Halford, Sr. passed away on Sunday,
November 23, 2003.
He was the devoted father of John W. Halford,
Jr. and his wife, Mary and Venus J. Ries and her husband, Marty; dear
grandfather of Christopher, Joe and Patricia Halford and Jeremy, Josh and Rachel
Ries; dear great grandfather of Derek and Kevin Halford. He was the beloved
husband of the late Selma Lee Halford (nee Skipper).
A funeral service will be held in the family
owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 York Road (beltway exit 26A) on
Saturday, November 29, 11 am. Interment will be in the Parkwood Cemetery....
In another
article:
BALTIMORE SUN
Baltimore, Baltimore Co., MD—26 November 2003
John Wayne Halford, Sr. died on November 23,
2003. Funeral services were held in the family owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home,
Inc. at 1050 York Road on Saturday. Interment was in Parkwood Cemetery.
Survivors include his son, John W. Halford, Jr.
and his wife Mary; his daughter, Venus J. Ries and her husband, Marty; his
grandchildren, Christopher, Joe, and Patricia Halford, and Josh and Rachel
Ries; and his great-grandchildren, Derek and Kevin Halford.
AAFA NOTES: SSDI
records show that John W. Halford (SS# issued in MD) was born 12 Aug 1933, last
residence Selbyville, Sussex Co., DE.
We included the obituary of his son John Wayne
Halford Jr. in Maryland Obituaries.
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LYNN WEST ALFORD
DELAWARE STATE NEWS
Dover, Kent Co., DE—28 February 1997
MILLSBORO
[Sussex Co.]—Lynn West Alford of Millsboro, and formerly of Dover, died
Saturday, Feb. 22, 1997, in her home. She was 43.
Mrs.
Alford was a former chef of Bradford Street Cafe in Dover for several years.
She
is survived by her son, Cody Alford of Massachusetts; her mother, Mary West of
Florida; two brothers, Jim West of Massachusetts and Steven West of Montana;
and her beloved friend, Ed Faidley, who was with her when she died.
A
memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church,
Georgetown.
AAFA
NOTES: SSDI records show that Lynn W. Alford (SS# issued in NJ) was
born 19 May 1953, last residence not listed.
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MABEL I ALFORD
NEWS JOURNAL
Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE—24 January 2010
Mabel I. Alford—Age 89, of Wilmington, DE,
passed away on January 21, 2010 at Shipley Manor.
Mabel began her career as a register nurse in
Private Practice. She then went on to work as a nurse for Electric Hose and
Rubber where she met her husband Collis L. Alford. Mabel left the work force to
become a homemaker for several years. In 1962 she reentered the work force
first at Woods Haven and eventually retired from the State of Delaware. She had
also been a caregiver for many family members over the years.
She was preceded in death by her husband Collis
L. Alford and is survived by her son Collis L. Alford of Los Vegas, NV and
nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday,
January 26, 2010 at 2:00 pm. at Gracelawn Memorial Park 2220 N. DuPont Highway,
New Castle, DE 19720.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to
the American Heart Assoc., 15011 casho Mill Road, Newark, DE 19711
Online condolences visit
www.mccreryfuneralhome.com 302-478-2204
AAFA
NOTES: SSDI records show that Mabel I. Alford (SS# issued in DE) was
born 25 Sept 1920, last residence Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE.
******************************************
MARY FLORENCE “MAY” ALFORD
NEWS JOURNAL
Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE—Thursday, 22 January 2004
Mary Florence “May” Alford of Wilmington, DE,
according to her wishes, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2004, at home with
her daughter and devoted pet Avery.
May was 84 years old.
May was first and foremost a wife, mother and
homemaker.
She also had worked at Sun Shipbuilding, was an
Avon Lady, worked for Arthur’s Ladies Apparel store in Concord Mall and Mister
Clean in Graylyn Crest Shopping Center.
May is survived by her daughter, Deborah Alford
Hamilton and her husband, Rafe.
She was predeceased by her husband, John
William Alford who passed away in 1974. Her affection knew no bounds for
the 2 nieces and a nephew who were also so important in her life.
Nancy and Jimmy Flicker and their 2 sons, along
with their families, George and Eileen Cundey and their children, along with
their families and Mary Florence (Babe) and Robert Humphreys and their
daughter, Allison.
May had extended her love of family to share in
the care of William and Shauneen Hutchinson’s 3 daughters, Sara, Katie and
Molly who remained a part of her life....
Burial will be private.... Arrangements by
Doherty Funeral Home...
AAFA
NOTES: SSDI records show that Mary J. Alford (SS# issued in PA) was
born 16 Nov 1919.
SSDI records show that her husband John Alford
(SS# issued in DE) was born 12 Aug 1914 and died in Aug 1974, last residence
Wilmington, DE.
PROBABLE FAMILY for John William Alford:
On the 1920 census, John W. Alford is listed
with his parents and siblings in Representative District 6 (District 147), New
Castle Co., DE, dwelling #314: Leroy Alford, iron company machinist, age 30 b.
MD; his wife Gertrude 26 DE; sons John W. 5 DE, and Thomas H. 3 DE; and brother
John 48 MD carpenter.
In 1930 they are in Brandywine (District 85),
New Castle Co., DE, dwelling #36: LeRoy Alford, iron works foreman, age 39 b.
MD; his wife Girtrude 36 DE; and children, all b. DE: John 15, Thomas H. 13,
Helen R. 8, and Constance 4-1/12.
On Leroy Alford’s 1917 WWI Draft Registration
Card [online at Ancestry.com], he is age 27, a tool room foreman living in
Edgemoor, New Castle Co., DE. He was b. 23 Aug 1889 in Chestertown, MD. His
dependents were his mother, pregnant wife, and 2 children.
In 1910 Leroy is with his parents and siblings
in Representative District 6 (District 73), New Castle Co., DE, dwelling #304:
John W. Alford, bridge works watchman, age 66 b. MD (parents b. MD), first
marriage 44 years; his wife Mary F. 63 MD, 5 children, 4 living; and sons:
Robert A. 39 MD house carpenter, and Leroy 20 MD bridge works machinist.
In 1900 they are in Brandywine (District 49),
New Castle Co., DE, dwelling #261: John W. Alford, bridge works laborer, age 57
b. Aug 1842 in MD, m. 35 years; his wife Mary 55 b. May 1845 in MD, 4 children,
4 living; sons, all b. MD: Robert A. 28 b. Sept 1871; John T. 26 b. Aug 1873;
and Royal R. 10 b. Aug 1889; and a servant and boarder.
This family has not been found on 1880 or 1870
censuses. Possibilities for the 1860 and 1850 censuses:
1860, showing Sarah, her second husband, and her 2 children
from her first marriage:
District 1 (P.O. Chestertown), Kent Co., MD, dwelling #13:
James Kennard 45 MD I think this is
Sarah’s second husband
Sarah E. 37 MD
John W. Alford 16 MD
Mary A. 14 MD
William Kennard 21 MD James’s son from
first marriage [see 1850]
George 13 MD James’s son
from first marriage [see 1850]
Sarah E. 5 MD
Fredric 3 MD
Susan M. 1/12 MD
1850, showing Sarah with her 2 children, possibly living
with her mother-in-law:
District 1, Kent Co., MD, dwelling #776:
Ann Alford 48 DE
Sarah 26 blank
John W. Patten 23 MD [Sarah’s
brother?]
John W. Alford 6 blank [he is not
indexed]
Owen Hutchins 13 MD [this is next
page]
Mary A.C. Alford 4 blank
Catharine Warner 4 blank
District 2, Kent Co., MD, dwelling #335:
James Kennard 36 MD
Rebecca 41 MD
Wm L. 12
Geo. B. 4
Maryland Marriages, 1655–1850 (Ancestry.com):
Robert Alford m. Sarah E. Patten on 15 Sept 1841 in Kent
Co., MD
Probable lineage of Mary’s husband: John William
1914 DE1, Leroy 1889 MD2, John W. 1844 MD3,
Robert ???? ??4.
******************************************
MARY FRANCES BURTON WRIGHT ALFORD
LEADER AND STATE REGISTER
Seaford, Sussex Co., DE—15 March 2007
SEAFORD [Sussex Co., DE]—Mary Frances Alford departed this
life on Tuesday, March 6, 2007, at Life Care in Lofland Park, Seaford, after a
short illness surrounded by her family and friends. She was 90.
She was born on April 10, 1916, to the late Mary
H. and Benjamin Burton, the youngest of six children.
She received her early education at Number 29
School, Wilmington, and later attended Howard High School.
She completed her education at Brown’s
Vocational School, where she received her nursing degree.
She was employed at Delaware State Hospital
until her retirement.
Mary was also an avid reader. She spent hours at
a time reading the Bible and everything she could get her hands on.
She was very active in the Greenwood Cheer
Center. She was the president for several years and enjoyed the various trips
they sponsored.
She was also a member of Crossroad Community
Church.
Shopping was her passion. She loved to look nice
and wear pretty things.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sloran
T. Alford; a son, Malcolm C. Wright; and granddaughters Jean Wright, Tanya
Wright and Ami Wright.
She is survived by a daughter, Kathleen P.
Dickerson of Greenwood; two sons, Anthony Wright of Tamarac, Fla., and Robert
F. Alford of Milton; two daughters-in-law; Phyllis Wright of Tamarac and
Barbara Wright of Camden, N.J.; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren;
three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives
and friends.
Viewing will be from 7-9 p.m. today in Bennie
Smith Funeral Home, Millsboro. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Crossroad
Community Church, Bridgeville....
Burial will be in Indian Mission Church
Cemetery, Millsboro.
Photo
from Indian Mission Cemetery, Millsboro, Sussex Co., DE—www.findagrave.com
Photo
from Riverview Cemetery, Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE—www.findagrave.com
AAFA
NOTES: SSDI records confirm the birth and death dates of Mary F.
Alford (SS# issued in DE), last residence Greenwood, Sussex Co., DE.
Mary F. Burton, age 3-8/12 born DE, is listed
with her parents and siblings in Smyrna (District 1), Kent Co., DE, dwelling
#72. The family is listed as mulatto.
SSDI records show that her husband Sloran T.
Alford (SS# issued in DE) was born 29 April 1925 and died 3 May 1983.
His probable father: Sloran Alford’s 1942 WWII
Draft Registration Card (Ancestry.com) says he is age 45, a self-employed
farmer of 45 acres living in Felton, Kent Co., DE. His nearest relative is
Hessie Alford, also of Felton. He was born 14 May 1896 in Acree, GA. There is
currently an Acree in Dougherty Co., GA, but there was also an Acree in Worth
Co., GA, at one time, and this is no doubt where he was born. Sloran’s brother
Warren also lists Acree, GA, as his birthplace on his WWI Draft Registration
Card.
On his 1917 WWI Draft Registration Card [online
at Ancestry.com], he appears appears as Sloan Alford, a single farmer, age 21,
living in Oakfield, Worth Co., GA, where he says he was born on 14 May 1896. He
is African-American.
On the 1900 census, Slone age 4 b. May 1896, is
listed with his parents and 6 of his siblings in Worth Co., Militia District
1346, dwelling #555: Tom Aulford, farmer age 60 b. May 1840, m. 16 years; his
wife Hattie 27 b. May 1874, 8 children, 7 living; and 7 children. All and their
parents were b. in GA.
In 1910 Sloan Alford, age 13 born GA, is living
in Militia District 1428, Worth Co., GA, dwelling #202, with his parents, Tom
Alford Sr., age 50 b. GA, and Hattie 40 b. GA, 11 children, 10 living. Eight
children are listed.
In 1920 Tom, age 65, Hattie, age 48, and 3 of
their children are in Pine Hill, Worth Co., GA, dwelling #139. All were b. in
GA.
In 1930 Thomas, age 55 b. GA, and his wife
Hattie, age 40 b. GA, are living in Egg Harbor City, Atlantic Co., NJ. Thomas
was age 20 at first marriage, and Hattie was 16. Thomas says his mother was b.
in Africa; all other parents were b. in U.S.
Sloan/Sloran has not been located on the 1920 or
1930 censuses. On all censuses, the family is listed as black.
RootsWeb Family Trees, submitted by Thomas
Alford’s grandson, Wayne Alford (son of Sloan Alford’s brother Warren), says
Tom Alford married Hattie Hurse. Wayne reports that Tom Alford was the victim
of an unsolved homicide in Philadelphia, PA. Wayne has no information on the
name change from Sloan to Sloran. Tom Alford was born a slave; interestingly,
he named his two eldest sons Warren and Green, common first names for white
Alfords, and perhaps a clue about Tom’s Worth County owners.
Mary’s husband’s lineage: Sloran T. 1925 ??1,
Sloran/Sloan 1896 GA2, Thomas/Tom 18?? GA3.
******************************************
ROSEMARIE PAULMAN ALFORD
NEWS JOURNAL
Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE—Saturday, 11 June 2001
Rosemarie Paulman Alford Age 71 of Wilmington,
DE died June 9, 2001 after a brief illness.
She graduated from P.S. duPont High School in
1947. Mrs. Alford was a member of Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, where
she was a longtime member of the choir and superintendent of the children’s
Sunday school. She enjoyed quilting and collecting teddy bears.
Rosemarie is survived by her husband, Donald
E. Alford, pastor of Union United Methodist Church in Childs, MD; 4
children, Sharon A. Marshall of Canton, OH, Joanne A. Edwards of Wilmington,
DE, William M. Alford of Pennington, NJ, Janet A. Krauss of Dover, DE; and 6
grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Mt. Lebanon
United Methodist Church, 850 Mt. Lebanon Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803 at 11 am on Wednesday,
June 13th. Friends may call at the McCrery Memorial Funeral Home,
3924 Concord Pike, Talleyville (S. of Silverside Rd.) on Tuesday, June 12th
from 7-9 pm. Interment will be held privately....
AAFA NOTES: SSDI
records show that Rosemarie Alford (SS# issued in DE) was born 11 Oct 1929.
PROBABLE FAMILY for her husband, Donald E.
Alford:
PeopleFinders.com lists Donald E. Alford, age 80
in 2006 or 2007, in Wilmington, DE, with family members named in this obituary,
so he was born about 1926-27.
In 1930, Donald E. Alford is listed with his
parents in Election District 5 (Federalsburg), Caroline Co., MD, dwelling #101:
Earl Alford, hauling truckman, age 31 b. MD (parents b. MD); his wife Eleanor
M. 29 PA; and son Donald E. 4-1/12 PA.
Donald E. Alford’s WWI Army Enlistment Record
says he was b. in 1926 in PA, resided in DE, and enlisted on 13 Apr 1944.
On Earle Alford’s 1918 WWI Draft Registration
Card [online at Ancestry.com], he is age 19, a machinist living in
Fredericksburg, Caroline Co., MD. He was b. 4 Feb 1899, and he names William A.
Alford of Fredericksburg as his nearest relative.
In 1910 Earl is with his parents and siblings in
American Corner (District 11), Caroline Co., MD, dwelling #131: W.A. Alford,
farmer age 54, first marriage 28 years; his wife Elizabeth 49, 7 children, 6
living; and children: Effie 22, Oscar 20, Earl 11, Howard 8, and Leon A. 7. In
dwelling #129 is their 6th child, son Lacy and his family. All were
b. in MD.
In 1900 Earl is listed as “Baby” in American
Center (District 10), Caroline Co., MD, dwelling #203: William A. Alford,
farmer age 45 b. May 1855, m. 19 years; his wife Elizabeth E. 39 b. Dec 1860, 5
children, 4 living; son Lacy N. 16 b. May 1884; daughter Effie B. 12 b. Oct
1887; son Oscar 10 b. Apr 1890; son Baby 1 b. Feb 1899; and mother-in-law
Rebecca A. Noble 64 b. Apr 1836. All and their parents were b. in MD.
Family Trees in RootsWeb.com lists William Allen
Alford, b. May 1855 in MD, d. 1931 and is buried in Hillcrest Cemetery,
Federalsburg, Caroline Co., MD. He m. Elizabeth E. Noble in 1881 in Caroline
Co.
Donald’s probable lineage: Donald E. 1926 PA1,
Earl 1899 MD2, William Allen 1855 MD3, William 1827 MD4,
Daniel 1799 MD5.
******************************************
WAYNE A. ALFORD
NEWS JOURNAL
Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE—Tuesday, 27 July 1999
Wayne A. Alford of Hillside Heights, Newark [New
Castle Co.], DE. Age 58. Died on Monday, July 26, 1999. Services: 11:45 a.m.
Thursday, July 29 at Chapel of Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway,
Minquadale, New Castle, DE. Interment in adjoining memorial park. Friends may
call on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont
Parkway, Wilmington Manor, New Castle.
Mr. Alford was a truck parts salesman for
Chesapeake Rim & Wheel, Wilmington, DE, for 15 years, retiring in 1997. He
was a US Marine Corps veteran. He enjoyed drawing and painting.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Judith
C. (Keen) Alford; 2 sons, David A. Ridgway of Oxford, PA & Eric K. Ridgway
of Huntingdon Valley, PA; & brother, Lawrence T. Alford of Smyrna, DE &
Tuscon, AZ.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to
American Cancer Society....
AAFA NOTES: SSDI
records show that Wayne A. Alford (SS# issued in DE) was born 11 Oct 1940.
See the obituary of his nephew David Paul Alford
in this compilation.
