Paula Ann Alford

Paula was born in Norfolk, Virginia to Jay and Margaret Crowder on February 14, 1948. As the daughter of a Navy Captain, she went to many schools before graduating high school and attending Auburn University. She married Bill Alford on December 6, 1969, in Auburn, Alabama. She graduated from Auburn with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and later attended the College of William & Mary earning a Master’s degree. Paula was both a math teacher and Guidance Counselor for middle and high school as well as junior college level in Virginia and Florida. Paula was proud of her accomplishment to become a National Board Certified Counselor and mentored other counselors over the years to achieve their goals. Paula LOVED her job working with students and making learning fun. Over the years she pioneered Pi Day celebrations, sponsored many clubs, ran charity drives, and worked on the yearbook. After 27 years of service, she retired from Hillsborough County Public Schools in 2014.

As an Air Force wife, she was involved in both military and civic organizations. Over the years, she was engaged in bridge clubs, book clubs, Alpha Gamma Delta alumni club, Carrollwood women’s club, and church groups. Over the last 12 years, she enjoyed working at Faith Café helping others in times of need. She was a member of Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents.

Paula is survived by her husband of 55 years, Colonel Bill Alford; her daughters, Megan Alford Givens and Meredith Alford; her sister, Marsha Crowder and brother-in-law Paul Wooten and her granddaughters, Emily Givens, Aurora Kral, and Annabelle (AJ) Kral all of Tampa, FL.

A private service was held in Bushnell at Florida National Cemetery on April 8, 2025. Arrangements made by Blount Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, FL on Thursday April 24, 2025. Visitation time with family starts at 10:00 am, with the service following at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to South Tampa Ecumenical Ministries/Faith Café c/o Bob Coates 1340 N Clearview Ave Tampa, FL 33607, or on www.faithcafetampa.org.

The family wishes to extend our thanks to Lifepath Hospice for their care in her final months.