Willie Alford, Jr.

Willie Alford, Jr. was born on February 15, 1925, in Dallas, Texas to his parents, Willie Alford, Sr. and Percy Johnson Alford. He was the second of four children born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his sister, Nancy and his brothers, Herbert Lee and Andrew Leon. As a child, he enjoyed playing games, riding his bike, and he delivered the local newspaper. Willie was raised during a time when life was hard for black people. His family relocated to Denver, Colorado in 1939, where Willie received his early education by attending Manual High School. In 1943, Willie enlisted in the United States Navy. While serving his country, he earned a Victory Ribbon and he fought during World War, II. He served with honor and distinction and was honorably discharged. In 1950, Willie met Betty Jean Palmer and they began dating. On February 27, 1954, they were married at the Justice of Peace in Denver. The marriage was full of joy and happiness. They enjoyed traveling to Dallas and Houston, as well as traveling with the Washington Lincoln Alumni Association. Some other social activities included concerts to see Ella Fitzgerald, performing artist, at Red Rocks, and artists at The Five Points in Denver. To this union, Charlotte, Willie Jean, Gwendolyn, and Yvonne were born. Gwendolyn preceded him in death, when she was only three years old. Willie was a loving and devoted husband and father who took great pride and joy in the care and nurture of his family. His daughters remember dad teaching them to be strong and independent women. He taught them to cook, clean, do yardwork, and work hard in life. He also taught them the importance of education and that no one could ever take that away from them. At the time of his passing, Willie and Betty had been married for 64 years. Willie was later blessed with four grandchildren, Michelle, Marques, LaTonya, and Trinity, who all were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. They lovingly called him “Grandpa or Pops” and fondly remember him being an active part of their lives. He attended all their milestones and they all shared many happy and precious moments together. Willie was a fun-loving man, who enjoyed life and those he encircled. In his free time, he enjoyed cooking, playing cards, hosting family gatherings, and of course playing dominoes. If you listened to him, he was the best dominoes player who walked the earth. Willie Alford, Jr. departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on July 16, 2018, in his home in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his loving and devoted wife, Betty J. Alford of Denver, Colorado; 3 daughters, Charlotte E. (Dewey) Brigham, Willie Jean Roberts-McCalister all of Aurora, Colorado and Yvonne R. Alford of Denver, Colorado; 4 grandchildren, Michelle Collins, Marques Brigham, LaTonya Jackson, and Trinity Brigham; and 10 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man. To know Willie was to love him.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell - 6601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
Visitation: 7/25/2018 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 7/26/2018 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 7/26/2018 at 2:15:00 PM Staging Area C Ft. Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 7/26/2018 at 3:15:00 PM Following Interment Cleaves Memorial CME Church - 2222 North Marion Street, Denver, Colorado