Bette Jane Alford

On April 30, 2023, Bette Jane Alford was granted her angel wings and went to walk with her Lord, her late husband Cecil, and her two beloved sons Dennis and Dale. She was 93 years old. Bette spent her adult life in Fresno until this last year when she moved to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to live with her daughter.

Born in Woodlake, California, she was the third-born of four sisters and spent much of her early life helping her father, John Bryant, who managed a large farm. She left home at an early age and met Cecil when he came home from his service in WWII. They married in 1946 and had four children together. After the tragic death of their first-born son, Bette earned her GED and took her first job as a sports equipment clerk at California State University, Fresno. While there, she became the “adopted Mom” of countless young girls who were leaving home for college. She and Cecil became ardent supporters of the Women’s Softball Team and went with them to Oklahoma where the team won the National College Championship in 1996. Bette worked to attain the top position in her occupation before retiring after 20 years of service. She and Cecil were able to take numerous cruises and even traveled to Hawaii, Australia, and the Cook Islands in their retirement. Most important: Bette has been a devoted Christian and member of the Fresno Evangelical Free Church, a patient and loving wife, an affectionate and wise mother, and a generous friend who has left us all richer with her sincerely joyful smile.

Bette is survived by her daughter, Dr. Darlys Alford, son Doran Drew Alford, four grandsons, and two great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10:00 am at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N. Teilman Ave., Fresno, CA 93706.