Katie Ruth Alford, 89, of Progress, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2019 at her home.

She was born January 12, 1930 in Lincoln County, MS.  She was the daughter of  Robert Eugene Smith and Katie Calcote Smith.

Katie graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1954 and began her teaching career at West Lincoln and Lexie Schools. While at Lexie she met and married the love of her life, Hollis H. Alford on August 21, 1954.  She taught at Progress Elementary School for 14 years, and "Miss Katie" was loved by many third graders.

The marriage of Hollis and Katie was one of the greatest love stories ever. Mrs. Alford's favorite thing was caring for her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Her hobbies included cooking, sewing quilts, gardening, and keeping up with the many activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a faithful, loved member of Progress Baptist Church for 64 years, cooking her famous Italian Cream cheese Cake for Homecomings and supporting and loving everyone there. Bringing her children up with the love of Christ was biggest priority.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Autumn Brumfield Fury;  a daughter-in-law, Shirley C. Alford; two sisters, Allene Smith Hunsucker and husband, Carl and Janie Pearl Smith; her brother, Robert E. Smith, Jr and wife, Elaine; a brother-in-law, C.A. Alford and wife, Marilyn; two sisters-in-law, Florene Brumfield and husband, Hall and Kathleen Easley and husband, J.D.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Hollis H. Alford; her five children, Ramona A. Young and husband, Joe, Rebecca A. Brumfield and husband, James, Howard Alford, Lisa Alford and husband, Michael Gauthier and Andrew Alford and wife, Kimberly all of Pike County;

thirteen grandchildren, Taylor Young and wife, Leslie, Zachary Young, and wife, Anna, Mitchell Young and wife, Kaitlyn, Jacob Brumfield and wife,  Ashley, Megan Mordica and husband Joe, Connor Alford and wife, Erin, Emily Easterbrook and husband, Turner, Carley Ardillo, Anthony Ardillo, Mason Alford, Carson Alford, Cooper Alford, Zoe Alford; great-grandchildren, Jackson Barbar,  Jay Fury, Claire Young, Ben Young, Chole Young, Guy Young, Bree Mordica, Collins Young, Sophie Mordica, Charlotte Young and Ezra Easterbrook.

Visitation will be at Progress Baptist Church Friday, June 20 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM, and continues Saturday from 9:00AM until the service at 11:00AM with Bro. Connor Alford, Bro. Chad Yarborough, Bro. James Earl Hunsucker and Bro. Wayne Hall officiating. Burial will follow in Progress cemetery under the direction of Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit.

Pallbearers are grandsons, Taylor Young, Zachary Young, Mitchell Young, Jacob Brumfield, Anthony Ardillo, Mason Alford, Carson Alford, and Cooper Alford.

Memorials may be sent to Progress Cemetery Association, 3159 Smith-Alford Road, Osyka, MS 39657.

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