Thelma Ophelia Alford

Mrs. Ophelia Thelma Burkett Alford passed away early Friday morning, October 7, 2011 just one day shy of her 86TH birthday in Wiregrass Hospital in Geneva. She was born October 8, 1925 in Westville, Florida the daughter of Burtie and Alice Spann Burkett. She attended school in Samson, Alabama. At age 15 she went with her mother to attend a wake; as was the custom in that day, folks usually were brought back home when they died until the day of the funeral. It just so happened that 26 year old Walon Alford had driven his mother to attend the same wake and there the two young people met and it is told that Walon informed several people at that wake that “I’m gonna marry that girl”. Good to his word, the couple married May 23, 1941 a marriage that spanned some nearly 44 years, eight children and many years of love until Walon’s death in April of 1985. Thelma and Walon’s life was not an easy one; they farmed, her by his side, they raised their children, losing one at birth; but as a family they all pulled together and made ends meet, cause that is what folks did back then. . After Walon’s death, Thelma live the last quarter century of her life, still faithful and loyal to the boy she had married so many years before. Thelma sang in the church choir there at Limestone Baptist Church, and she played the guitar. She and some of her church lady friends often times sang at Gospel Sings and funerals and Thelma was known throughout the community for her pound cakes, which were always sought after at church feedings. She used all of her homemaker’s skills not only cooking, but canning and quilting too. As she approached her later years, she was as busy as ever, grandchildren, great grandchildren but her years had caught up with her and in the early hours of Friday morning, with family by her side she slipped into eternity.

Among survivors are her children, Paulette, Steelia and wife Madaleen, Donnis and wife Cindy, Leritha and husband Henry, Carlene and husband Stephen, Dale and wife Debbie. Her daughter-in-law Paula Diane Wamble Alford. Eighteen grandchildren, twenty four great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren. Her sister, Levail and her brothers H.T. and wife Margaret, Billy and wife Carol, Carl and Duncan and wife Shelia.

Floral arrangements are being accepted. A time of visitation will be from 10 until 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 10, 2011 with the funeral beginning at 11 A.M. in Jerry Evans Chapel with Reverend Terry Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Limestone Cemetery.