Alva Raye Stafford

Sister Alva Raye Stafford, the oldest of three siblings of the late Deacon Alvin White and Rosa L. White, was born on November 16, 1943 in Houston, Texas. Alva Raye was a product of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. Alva Raye married and to this union one child was born. Alva Raye went on to obtain a degree in science from Prairie View A&M University and a master's degree from Texas Southern University. She was so passionate about education and her Christianity that she obtained another degree in ministry from the College of Biblical Studies. Alva Raye was a dedicated worker for the HISD for over 38 years. She began her career as a secondary science teacher at Booker T. Washington, Marshall Middle School, and Clifton Middle School. She then moved on to become a magnet school coordinator and area supervisor. She served as assistant principal and dean of instruction at Scarborough High School and ended her career at Worthing High School. Alva Raye also wrote science curriculum and grants for HISD. Alva Raye was a strong Christian woman who gave her entire life to Christ. She united with Mt .Sinai Baptist Church at a young age where she remained a faithful and an active member. Her church was important to her and she loved her pastors. Alva Raye's love for Christ extended to St .Luke's Episcopal Hospital where she volunteered as a Chaplain. She touched, mentored, and blessed many families. Because of her love of the church and her passion for education, she became one of the founding members of the Houston Heights Learning Academy currently located on the grounds of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. She served as the president of the Houston Heights Learning Academy school board. Alva Raye loved to dress. She was always well-manicured from head to toe. She leaves to cherish her memory a loving daughter, Stephanie Stafford-Cole, a devoted son-in-law Barry Cole; three loving grandchildren, Kamryn, Kourtney and Kaden; a brother Ronald White and a sister Patricia Pittman, a nephew Alvin White, and nieces Cynthia Bendy (Brian), Cleo Pittman, Denise Pittman, Brandi White, Heather White and Hannah Anderson and a host of other relatives.