Nancy T. Alford

Nancy Thomason Alford, 90, passed away July 1. She was born on July 24, 1926 in Canton, Georgia, the daughter of Noah and Sally Thomason. The youngest of five siblings, she grew up in Canton and graduated from Canton High School. She attended the University of Georgia where she was a member of Student Government, "Z" Club, Pioneer Club, and vice president of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She graduated from UGA in 1947 with a B.S. degree in education. At UGA she met Neal Alford and they were married in 1948. Nancy taught elementary school in Georgia the next four years, and after moving to Florida at Fern Creek Elementary School for 30 years before retiring from Orange County Public Schools. Even after retiring she was always a teacher, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren reaped the benefits of her life-long passion for teaching. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Winter Park.

Nancy was a beautiful southern lady, full of grace, a "Georgia peach," whose greatest blessings were her family. Her home was a sanctuary where she was always offering a helping hand, a listening ear, thoughtful advice, and always a glass of sweet tea. Her genuine concern and unconditional love will be sadly missed by her large immediate and extended family members.

Nancy is survived by her loving family; son Neal "Chip" Alford (Dee Dee); daughter Robin Dubois (Bruce Burghard); grandchildren Eric Dubois, Kacy (Lawrence) Lyman, Wes Alford, Shelby (David) Varet; and great-grandsons Charlie and Chase Lyman, all of Winter Park; her sisters Katherine Cash of Winter Park and Sara Lathem of Canton, Georgia; and many nieces and nephews. Nancy was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 68 years, Neal "Coach" Alford, who passed away in February and are now reunited in heaven. Also preceding her were her parents, and her brothers Edward and Gene "Penny" Thomason.

A service will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, July 6 at First Baptist Church of Winter Park, followed by a reception at the Alford home, 2369 Summerfield Rd., Winter Park. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a donation be made in Nancy's name to the First Baptist Church of Winter Park, 1021 N. New York Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789. Memories can be shared and condolences may be sent to the family at www.baldwinfairchild.com.