Betty L. Alford

Betty Louise Alford would want you to know tha she claimed her her heavenly home on July 13, 2019, at 77 years old. She wants us to realize our omnipresence, omnipotent heavenly Father was preparing her for her eternal home. "Behold, I come quickly." (Rev 22:7) Betty would want you to know that she will no longer be hearing her name as Mrs. Alford, Aunt Betty, Betty, Bet-Bet, Betty Boop, Grandma, or Mom-Mom. She will answer to a new name given only by God in heaven. There, she will not need to be confined to a bed or a wheelchair. There, where she will not have to anticipate any discomfort or pain. There, where she will be able to see all those she loved and have gone on before. Betty was the eldest child of the late Ethel Jackson. She had five siblings. Two brothers, Bernard and Coleman, Jr, preceded her in death. She would want to to know that she was raised in the house that her grandfather built and received her education in the Carroll County Public School, finally attending Robert Morton High School. Betty would reminisce about living in the "country' saying, "I couldn't wait to get from out of those woods". Betty was married to the late Charlie Alford for 33 years, the absolute love of her life, whom she called "Al". She would want you to know that she missed him deeply and was ready to see him. When she married, she became an instant mother of three children: Charles, Jr., Roger, and Carolyn. Betty would want you to know that it wasn't easy being a young mother with these three. The oldest thought he was just as grown as she, the middle didn't say much and the youngest had a smart mouth. She would want you to know that God did not design her to bear children, but He had created in her heart a special place to nurture and care for children in her marriage. It was evident throughout her life, through the care of her children through her work,within her family-her grand and great grand-children, and nieces. Just ask, they will attest to her love, kindness, and generosity. She not only provided care for children, but she assisted in the care of Cheryl Brager-Remerman, her mother, and her Aunt Boo-Boo. Betty would want you to know that back in the day, she and Al were in leadership roles with their CB clubs. They traveled, raised funds for "Toys for Tots" and for the Homeless. Speaking of travel,she would want you to know that she didn't mind getting behind the wheel. "I'll drive", she said. She drove across country to attend Roger's wedding, not wanting to take a break. "I'm alright...you rest," when her knees were hurting her something fierce. Betty would want you to know that she enjoyed family events. She enjoyed being around her family. She loved to hear the stories about how no one wanted to eat her meals when she was younger because she didn't know how to cook. She would want you to know that she did win the children over with her cooking and that her fried chicken and mashed potatoes became the bonus for Carolyn and Chelle'. She would want you to know how important it is to preserve family by attending family events as she did for family reunions at her mother's home on Labor Day, the 4th of July at her Aunt Boo-Boo's, and the Cousin's Reunions. Betty would want you to know that she enjoyed working and being creative. She liked sewing and made many of her own clothes. Sewing for others was a joy as well. She liked to crochet throws, bed covering, and shawls, keeping most for her self. She would want you to know that she worked for the Brager family most of young adult life sowing in the lives of their four daughters. Their youngest daughters, the twin stayed by her side through her difficult times- one of whom was Jacobson, and Bob, her husband. Betty would want you to know that she has been a manager of the JoAnn's Fabric Store as well as Specialized Lighting Systems, Cheryl Brager-Remerman, owner. Betty would want you to know that she truly loved Jesus and it wasn't enough just to attend services. She would want you to know that she actively worked at West Liberty United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities: singing in the choir, serving Communion as a Communion Steward, and serving as Lay Servant. She also served in the kitchen on special days and during Vacation Bible School. Betty would want you to know that she became too ill and unable to perform her duties. She needed professional care which was provided by Arlington West Nursing Facility. When her health improved, she knew she would not be the same physically, but she pursued community and became an active member of the Patient Council at the facility. However physically she was not going to be the same. She would want you to know that she had a roommate with whom she built a golden friendship, Ms Edna Bailey. She identified her as "my best friend". Betty wants you to know that she has always said, "This life owes me nothing." Betty would want you to keep her family lifted in prayer - children: Charles, Jr., (Caroline), Rev. Roger O. Alford (Anita), from Lawton, Oklahoma, and Carolyn (Wade); siblings: Esther Cleamons, Allen Jackson, Robert Spence, and Ricky Cleamons; grandchildren; NiChelle (Eugene), Charles "Poncho" (Mai), Ronald (Anita), Angela, Zenzele, Cynthia, and Shaleen; 14 great-grandchildren, including one special great-grandchild whom she helped raise, Charles C., "CJ", and a host of nieces, nephews,cousins, and friends.

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Betty L. Alford

December 28, 1941 - July 13, 2019