Geraldine "Jerry" Simpson Alford

September 24, 1922 - November 1, 2020

Geraldine Simpson Alford Geraldine “Jerry” Simpson Alford, age 98, peacefully passed to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at her home in Mt. Hermon, Louisiana. She was born September 24, 1922 in Bogalusa, La. She was a longtime member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church. With a passion for flower gardening, she graciously arranged flowers from her yard into a beautiful floral arrangement for Sunday church service for nearly 55 years. As an expression of love for others, many flower arrangements were made and given to family and friends on various occasions. God will use her green thumb to keep the gardens blooming in heaven. She was recognized for 65 years of faithful service to the Bogue Chitto Homemakers. Jerry loved cooking, sewing, handcrafts, making muscadine vine wreaths for all occasions, and making Christmas decorations. For over 65 years, throughout the Christmas season the celebration of the birth of Jesus was visible to anyone who passed her yard by viewing a multitude of handmade Christmas decorations set up by the family. This tradition was continued with the help of her children when she became unable. In 1939 she graduated from Amite High School and attended Southeastern Louisiana University. In 1984 she retired as postmaster from the Mt. Hermon Post Office after 36 years of service. After retirement, Jerry and husband, “Buddy”, traveled in a motorhome to see and enjoy the natural beauty, wildflowers, and foliage throughout many states. She and Buddy enjoyed numerous trips with the seniors of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church. She even traveled around the world with her sister-in-law, Leah Beth Houeye Simpson. She was a “Rosie the Riveter” from the WW2 era having earned a certification in welding while working for Western Union in Baton Rouge during the war. She crossed the river by ferry every night from Baton Rouge to Port Allen to attend a welding trade school. After earning her welding certificate, Western Union decided she would be of more benefit to the war effort by sending and receiving messages from all over the country. She will be missed by her children Julia Lorraine Alford Mabus of Amite, La., Michael Morris Alford and wife Sharon Hutchinson Alford of Tangipahoa, La., and Jon Duvoix “Doix” Alford and wife Paula Smith Alford of Mt. Hermon, La.; three grandsons James Thermon Mabus III, John Rhinehart Mabus III and wife Maggie Callahan Mabus, and Judge LeBaron Alford; two granddaughters Misty Lewis Alford and husband Kelly and Riki Lewis Sanders; and seven great grandchildren Blayke Brinker, Max Brinker, Pressley Brinker, Gabriel Pena’, Emma Pena’, Paisley Pena’, and Jackson Mabus. She is also survived by nephews and spouses Bruce Simpson (April Stogner), Alan Simpson (Kay Lewis), Brett Simpson (Jamie Simmons), Paul Simpson and neice Debra Lea Simpson Potts. She was preceded in death by her parents Paul John and Jesse Lee Smith Simpson, twin brothers Joseph “Joe” and Walter Simpson, and sisters-in-law Faye Ellen Bateman Simpson and Leah Beth Houeye Simpson. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years Alonzo Duvoix “Buddy” Alford. A graveside funeral service was held in the Mt. Hermon Cemetery at 11:00 on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 with Bro. Joe Baugh officiating. Pallbearers were Jimmy Mabus III, Judge Alford, Walter Simpson, Casey Potts, Rocky Burch, and Jesse D. Burris. Our family wishes to thank the at home sitters who helped our mother so diligently to enjoy her stay at home over the past 11 years. She was able to enjoy bird watching, walks in the yard, working with flowers, rides in the country, shopping, haircuts, and visiting family and friends. A special cousin Jan Smith Tarver and husband, Doug, were a helping hand in so many ways. Thank both of you for the love and time you gave her. A special thanks to Elara Caring Home Health for the outstanding services provided. We were blessed to have the warm and loving care that was provided to Mrs. Jerry and the family by Encompass Hospice. We thank you for making this time comforting to her and the family. Donations in memory of Jerry can be made to the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, 36126 Hwy. 38, Mt. Hermon, La., 70450. Crain Funeral Home, Franklinton, in charge of arrangements.