Alberta K. Colbert

Morning of Life … Alberta Carrie Colbert was born on January 26, 1929, in Blaney, South Carolina (now known as Elgin), to the late Elijah Sr. and Alice Kelly. She was the eldest of eight children, lovingly known as “Bert” by family and friends, and “Peaches” by that one special person. Alberta was raised with deep values of hard work, faith, respect, and family pride in a close-knit farming community. Under the spiritual guidance of her parents, she attended Good Aim Baptist Church every Sunday. There she accepted Christ at an early age.

As the eldest sibling, she helped raise her brother and sisters, embracing her role with grace and a loving heart. This early foundation shaped her life and instilled in her the strength and compassion that she carried into adulthood.

Noon Day … Alberta was the first to be married at Good Aim Baptist Church. She wed the love of her life, the late Horace W. Colbert, Jr., an active member of the United States Army. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised seven children. As a military wife, Alberta’s family traveled the world, living and visiting such places as London, Paris, Germany, Florida, New York, Texas, Mexico, Maryland and Georgia.

Alberta was formerly employed as a nurse at William Beaumont Hospital in El Paso, Texas, and Laurel Regional Hospital in Maryland. Even while caring for the sick, she dispensed not only medicine, but spiritual wisdom and heartfelt prayers. After numerous years of dedicated service, Alberta retired from Laurel Regional Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of faith and compassion.

Labor of Love … Alberta nurtured her seven children with the heartfelt hope that they would all come to know and love the Lord. Whether in her role as a mother, nurse, or servant leader, her life was a ministry of love.

Spiritual Journey … Conviction was the anchor of Alberta’s life. At the age of 38, she moved to the Washington, D.C. area with six of her children as her husband worked in Saudi Arabia. She joined Faith United Church of Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Joseph E. Taylor, becoming one of its founding members. Later in life as her journey continued, she moved to Atlanta to live with her eldest daughter Alice and son-in-law Marvin, who graciously and lovingly cared for her. She was under the watchcare of Fairfield Baptist Church.

Alberta’s commitment to her Savior never wavered. She was a devoted prayer warrior, gospel tract evangelist, and humble servant of the Lord. Her well-known “Tract Ministry” extended everywhere she went—restaurants, shopping centers, hospitals, and neighborhood walks.

She served faithfully in numerous leadership roles, including Deacon, Mother of the Church, member of the Board of Elders, Spiritual Counselor, and Usher. She deeply loved gospel music and cherished hymns such as “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

The Blessings … The things Alberta cherished most were her family, her church, lifelong friends, and remaining true to herself and her faith.

At Midnight / Thoughts of Prayer and Remembrance … At the age of 97, Alberta peacefully surrendered her earthly battle and entered eternal rest on February 2, 2026. She lived a full, joyful, and purpose-driven life. Alberta will always be remembered for her strength of character, wisdom, quick wit, fun-loving personality, deep love for Christ, and the determination to live life fully. She was a true Proverbs 31 woman—a woman of faith, resilience, and grace. Her light will forever shine in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Legacy … Alberta leaves to cherish her memory three precious daughters, Alice Cunningham (Marvin), Deborah Durgadeen, and JoAnne Colbert-Simmons (Chris); three caring sons, Horace W., Frederick E., and Donald E. Colbert; nine adored grandchildren – three devoted Diana Colbert, John D. Oubre, Jr., and Kristen Durgadeen; thirteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Elijah Kelly, Jr., Melva Brinkley, and Grace K. Coffey; two devoted nieces, Dr. Melva Covington and Vanessa Hall; three beloved friends, Virginia Kelly, Ann Seibert, and Willie Mae Brown; bonus daughters and sons, Laverne, Ramona, Tranay, John Sr., and Charles; along with a host of other relatives and dear friends. –Ich liebe euch–

A visitation will be held on February 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:30 am at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, located at 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722, United States. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 am.