Elizabeth Ann Alford

Elizabeth Ann Alford was born in Cleveland, Mississippi on January 15, 1934, to Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Armstrong Alston and had two siblings, Sara Nelle Alston Deloach, and Alexander Armstrong Alston, Jr.

She was raised in Hollandale, MS, and excelled in her studies there. She was class president for both her Junior and Senior years. Elizabeth graduated high school there and attended Delta State College on scholarship where she earned a Bachelor of Education, Master of Education, Master of Science, and Master of History. She was elected the first female Student Body President during her senior year at Delta State College during the 1955/56 school year. While a student at Delta State College, Elizabeth served as the Publicity Director for Senator James O. Eastland during one of his senatorial campaigns. Elizabeth’s continued education to improve her abilities as well as those of her beloved students is due to the dedication to her students.

Elizabeth’s goal to become a teacher was achieved, and she began her career in Shelby High School with Lee McCarty, then at Bayou Academy, and West Bolivar School District. She excelled in that field until 2004 following the graduation of her grandchild, Davis Alford from Bayou Academy.

She married Theodore “Pete” Alford on August 30, 1956.  Eventually, they moved to Gunnison, MS and raised three children, Cindi, Ted, and Dave.  Pete and Elizabeth were married for over 55 years until his death in 2009.

Some of her favorite pastimes included raising flowers in her yard, playing a spirited game of bridge with friends on a regular basis, and engaging with her Sewing circle friends. Also, we all believe she thoroughly enjoyed terrorizing her students with her giant stick and asking if they were proposing matrimony. She was very active in the DAR, holding several positions in her local chapter. Elizabeth had a love of life that emanated from her smile and cheerful disposition and was loved deeply by those who knew her. Her presence and influence will be forever felt and embraced by her family and friends.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband Theodore Alford, siblings Sara Nelle Alston Deloach and Alexander Armstrong Alston Jr., son Ted Alford and grandson Matthew Ryon Baker.