Adele Jeanette Alford

In Loving Memory

of the Life of

Adele Jeanette Alford (Cooper) was born on September 21, 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Benjamin and Francis Cooper. Adele was the third oldest of her five siblings. She would recall her childhood growing up in Downtown Cincinnati, during the Great Depression. That period left a lasting impression on Adele, instilling a sense of hard work and determination that carried forth her entire life. Adele loved to laugh, dance, garden and cook – she was known for her skills as a grill master and as a baker. As a testament to her intelligence and creative spirit, she was a self-taught seamstress who would often decorate her home with furniture covers and drapery that she lovingly made.

Adele attended the Harriet Beecher Stowe School. At a young age, she met Lee Clark Alford, who sought her out and “courted” her so gallantly, she agreed to marry him. To that union was born 4 daughters, Cynthia Haggard, Carolyn Crawford, Brenda Middlebrooks and Bonita Moss. Adele was actively engaged in the lives of her daughters and their friends. She was known in their Evanston community for hosting sleepovers for her daughters and members of the Girl Scout troop she led. During the early years of her marriage, Adele and her family were faithful members of the old Corinthian Baptist Church, where Adele and Lee sang in the choir and Lee served as a Deacon. Although Adele and Lee separated, they remained devoted to their girls and their friendship lasted until Lee passed away in 1987.

Adele was an independent woman, always a go getter and never scared of hard work. She was employed for some time at General Electric where she was an inspector, and later at General Motors where she worked on the assembly line until she retired.

Adele enjoyed lively conversations, Friday fish fry’s, and boisterous card games with family and friends. Adele was an avid gardener who prided herself on her beautiful roses – she was known for her green thumb throughout Silverton where she lived for many years. Her home was the gathering hub for celebration and for finding comfort and love. Later in life Adele relocated to Fairfield and became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church Woodlawn. Adele continued to live an independent and active lifestyle until her physical health declined.

Family was always important to Adele. She enjoyed having a big family, which in addition to her 4 daughters, includes nieces and nephews, 14 grandchildren – Eric Haggard (Janine), Richard Haggard, Kimberley Crawford, John Leaks (Cathy), Lorenzo Leaks, Emiley Crawford-Davis (Gregg), Vincent Haggard (Angela), Kadesjah Shabazz, Dianthe Crawford, Tara Barwick (Mike), Robert Moss IV (Gwenita Grant) (Robert preceded Adele in death), Leah Moss (Ben), Magan Hughes (Jimmy), Deja Malone (Kerrius Williams); and a host of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Adele had five siblings – Nelson Cooper, William Cooper, Lillian Cooper-Wiggins, Frances Wallace, and John Cooper. All preceded Adele in death.

It was Adele’s wish to be cared for at home and the family is ever grateful to Adele’s loving daughters, Bonita and Carolyn, along with Bonita’s fiancé, Dennis Rowland, and other family members, whose devotion made it possible for Adele to receive hospice care at home.

Adele peacefully transitioned from this earthly life at home on March 6th at the blessed age of 96.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Woodlawn from 10:00am-11:00am and a Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00am.

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