Elverta Weatherford was born in Albion, Michigan on March 30, 1918. Second born to James and Gertrude Hawkins, she lived her entire life in Albion. She graduated from Washington Gardner High School in 1935 and continued in a training program in Idle Wild Michigan, where she met her sweetheart Richard. In 1941, she married Richard (Dick) Weatherford, the love of her life.
The couple lived through WWII, with Elverta becoming the wife of a Tuskegee Airman. They became the parents of two children Tonya Weatherford Arnett and Ricky Weatherford. Elverta and Richard owned the A to Z Sweeper Shop for over 50 years. They also founded the “Citizens to Beautify Albion” whose mission is to plant beautiful flowers citywide.
Elverta was faithful member of Lewis Chapel AME Church, where she served as President and member of the Gertrude Hawkins Missionary Society, and church organist for over 80 years. She spread her Christian message both inside and especially outside the church with helping the sick, shut-in, and those in need.
Elverta Weatherford was very connected to all things Albion. Even when she lost her eyesight over 40 years ago, it did not stop her from learning how to swim, doing crafts, and traveling. Elverta loved family, loved people, loved parties, loved good food and especially sweets and any kind of social gathering. She was a seamstress, hat-maker, cook, gardener and “chief organizer”.
Elverta Weatherford was proceeded in death by her parents, James and Gertrude Hawkins, her brother James Hawkins Jr. and her beloved husband Richard Weatherford. She leaves to cherish her memory Children: Tonya (Jim) Arnett - Albion, Richard (Twila) Weatherford- Jackson, Grandchildren: Nichelle (Kevin) Freer – Louisville, Kim Brown – Kalamazoo, LayleWeatherford – Jackson,
Tiras Weatherford – Jackson, Jericho Weatherford – Jackson, Bridgess Weatherford – Jackson.
In addition to her children and grandchildren, she will be greatly missed by three Great grandchildren, special nephew, Don Hawkins- Phoenix , special daughters Kay Knight, Hazel Lias and Patricia McKee and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy and contributions can be made to the “Citizens to Beautify Albion” or Lewis Chapel AME Music Ministry in memory of Elverta Weatherford.
Funeral Services will be Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 12:00PM at Lewis Chapel AME Church, 522 W. Center Street, Albion with family hour starting at 11:00AM prior to the service with Rev. Donald L. Phillips III officiating. Interment will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan.
To leave online messages of condolence for the family, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com
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