Alberta Blanford, age 95, of Clinton Township, formerly of Madison Heights, Michigan, passed away in peace on August 2, 2019. She was born on March 2, 1924, in Metter, Georgia, to Alex Mercer Jr. and Lennie Mason. She is the beloved mother of Louis Blanford and Yolanda Blanford-Andrews (Sileester R. Andrews Jr.), Cherished grandmother of: Vrenetta, Jacqueline, James, Elton Jr., Micah, Tomeco, Cliffton, Starla, and Colin. Great-grandmother and great-great grandmother to many more. She was preceded in death by her parents: Alex and Lennie, children: Alton “Sonny” Blanford, Willie Mae Bennett’el, Michael Gerard Blanford, and Lawrence Moxie Blanford, and siblings: Bernice Salter and Willie Holloman.
Alberta was a strong, proud woman, wife, mother, sister, and friend. She worked for over 60 years at Earl Cleaners in Clawson, Michigan. She outlived 2 owners and taught old and young the business. She also gave them the business when they needed it too! She was not shy about sharing her wisdom but short on patience for those that did not get it. She never accepted help willingly, her famous words “I can do it.” She believed you should work for the things you desired and her life was a shining example of achieving through hard work and perseverance. She worked for the things we needed, nothing got in the way of providing for us. She was strict no doubt and when Alberta gave you the look, you knew she meant business, but she loved you deeply.
She purchased her first brand new car, a Ford Fairmont which she cherished, in 1979. You see she walked for years before getting her car from Grove and Log Cabin to Woodward and 6 Mile to catch two buses to and from work 5 days a week. Through rain, sleet, snow, and hail she walked. She never complained because her children drove her to do her best. We were poor but she never let us feel like we were. We were worth the sacrifice. We learned the value of work. You see she didn’t retire until she reached the age of 88 and began her retirement years! Who does that? Alberta did! She was a seamstress and silk finisher. Her passion was sewing. She made clothes for her kids and matching outfits for herself and her daughters. God rewarded her hard work and she was able to raise her children and put them through Catholic schools from grade school through high school. She believed education was the key to seeing lives changed and circumstances improved.
She would return to Metter, GA for months at a time to relive her youth and help to support and care for her mom, sister, and brother. She laughed, she danced, she joked around and enjoyed those precious times with her family and friends.
She always told the truth. Something people don’t seem to value much these days. You might not like it but the truth will set you free! Her words of wisdom still ring true to this day; baby work hard and get your own, get an education, and do better than I did.
Stern, Comforting, Truthful, Amazing, Loving and most of all Mama.
She is treasured and missed beyond measure. Her life well lived; and rest well deserved.
A memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 commencing at 10 AM with memorial service at 11:00 AM at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038.
Lorris Upshaw Jr., Officiating Pastor
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association. A link to their website is below.
