Doris Virginia Baldwin Alford, 97, passed away peacefully October 18, 2018. She was born in Laurel, MS in 1921, daughter of H.A.L. Baldwin and Doris Flowers Baldwin. The family moved to Jackson at her age of 5 when the family lumber business in Laurel burned.
Mrs. Alford studied dance from age 9 at the Taylor Studio of Dance in Jackson, MS. She was often a participant in the early years of the “Kiddy Matinee” at local theaters, and several Carnival Balls. Mrs. Alford attended Jackson Public Schools and graduated from Jackson Central High in 1938. She then attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, graduating in 1940. There she was a member of Theta Tau Omega sorority and “Orchesis” honorary dance association. While at Stephens she studied dance with well known visiting choreographers: Agnes DeMille, Martha Graham, Ted Shawn, Harold Kraetsberg, and later with Charles “Cookie” Cook in New York. She furthered her academic study at the University of Mississippi, graduating in 1942. There she was a member of Phi Mu.
In 1944, Mrs. Alford married Captain Edgar Griffin Alford. They made their home in Jackson, MS and together they had four children. Griff and Doris enjoyed extensive world travels that included 22 Lions Club International conventions.
Mrs. Alford is a member of Broadmoor Baptist Church/Regent: Fort Rosalie Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)/President of the Reverend Samuel Swayze Chapter, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century/national Society Magna Charter Dames/Most Noble Order of the Garter/ United States Daughters of 1812/ Scottish Dames/United Daughters of the Confederacy/First Families of Mississippi/MOWW/MOAA. She also enjoys the honor of membership in the Lord Chamberlain Society of the college of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA.
Mrs. Alford was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Griffin Alford, Sr. and her son, Edgar Griffin Alford, Jr.
She is survived by her children, David Baldwin Alford (Deborah), Andrew Stephen Alford, and Claudia Alford Stribling; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Kitchens Alford; five grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 22, 2018 at 9:00 am at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, MS, with funeral services beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the “Jackson Central Lions Club Blind Fund” or Broadmoor Baptist Church.
