Ella Geneva Alford

Ella Geneva Alford, also known as LA to many, was born on September 19, 1924 in Columbia, South Carolina to her parents, Bertha Bowman-Kinley and Berley Kinley. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1941 and went on to attend Benedict College and received her bachelor’s in education in 1945. Ella later met the love of her life, Newton Alford and the two married and moved to Brooklyn, NY. In 1946, they welcomed their first daughter, Annette and their second daughter, Gwendolyn in 1950. Ella not only took care of her own family, but she also cherished every moment with the children and faculty she worked with as a teacher’s aide at PS. 93 Grade school.

In 1977, Ella and Newton welcomed their first grandchild, Jasen who affectionately gave Ella the name, LA. In 1985, their granddaughter Larissa “Rissy” was born. LA and Newton loved being grandparents and often spent holidays, summers and so many other special occasions with their family.

In 1993, LA retired from P.S. 93. During her retirement, LA enjoyed traveling to Long Island, Atlantic City and spending time with her church family at Concord Baptist Church. In 1995, LA experienced the loss of her daughter, Annette and in 1998 her beloved husband of 52 years, Newton. Through it all, LA remained strong for those around her. She continued to do the things that made her heart happy, which included being part of the senior citizen program at her church, arts and crafts, playing lotto and cards, and being surrounded by friends and family. Years later she moved to Long Island, NY where she attended Faith Baptist Church with Gwen and enjoyed spending time with her loved ones. During those years she attended the college graduations of her grandkids, celebrated grandson Jasen's wedding to his high school sweetheart Tamika and welcomed two great-grandchildren, Vincent and Gabrielle.

Even through health battles after hip surgery, LA remained steadfast and always prayed up, continuing to be there for her family through ups and downs. She always wore a smile and made sure moments spent together were filled with laughter and sometimes smart remarks made with love. LA spent the last years of her life in Island Rehab Nursing Home where she made her family’s heart smile with every visit. Even during COVID her FaceTime calls were something her loved ones looked forward to and cherished.

On Sept. 19th, 2024, her 100th birthday, LA was called home. Though we didn’t get to have the celebration we wanted, our hearts are full, knowing we got so much time with her. She was welcomed home by Annette, Newton, her mother and a host of others that loved her. LA will be missed but her laugh and all the moments she shared with us will remain in our hearts.

LA is survived by her daughter Gwendolyn, grandson Jasen, granddaughter-in-law Tamika, her granddaughter Rissy, great-grandchildren Vincent and Gabrielle as well as a host of relatives and friends that loved her.

A visitation for Ella will be held Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM at O. B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776. Following the visitation will be a committal service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Rosehill Cemetery and Crematory, 792 E Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036.