CORDELE – Ouida Kelley Alford, 97, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2018.   She was born in West Monroe, LA on September 7, 1920 and was a daughter of the late James Franklin Kelley and Mallie Johnson Kelley. Mrs. Alford grew up in Mobile, AL and graduated from Judson College before marrying and starting a family. After moving to Cordele in 1957, she became a beloved member of Pinecrest Baptist Church, where she worshipped for over 60 years and served in countless ways. She especially loved her time with the Sara Wiley Sunday School class.   A dedicated volunteer with Meals on Wheels, she also proudly served as a “pink lady” with the Crisp Regional Hospital Auxiliary for 37 years.   She found great joy in serving God and her community and received the 2015 Crisp County CARE Award for her time, care, and dedication given to benefit the lives of others.   Her quote in her senior yearbook summed her up perfectly: “She goes about her work quietly and modestly, but when the results come, she is always on the top.”

Above all, she was a much-adored wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother with the kindest heart who treasured her family, faith, and friends. She will be missed beyond measure.

Mrs. Alford is survived by her husband of nearly 42 years, Aubrey E. Alford of Cordele; three children and their spouses, Dr. Thomas B. Mobley, III (Sue) of Wilmington, NC, Cherie Mobley Prescott (Bill) of Winder, and Becky Mobley Baker (Tim) of Maumee, OH; two step-children, Randy Alford (Mary Jean) of Albany and Becky Alford Daniel of Port St. Joe, FL; six grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Joyce Kelley Coleman of Meridian, MS; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Alford of Charleston, SC. Mrs. Alford was preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas Barnett Mobley, Jr.; three sisters, Hazel Kelley McCord, Myrtis Kelley Coggins, and Lila Kelley Jones; and a brother, Lester Kelley.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at Pinecrest Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Howell officiating. A reception will follow the service.

Memorials may be sent to Pinecrest Baptist Church Building Fund, 1007 East 19^th Ave, Cordele, GA 31015 or to Reflections Hospice, 202 E. 4^th Ave, Cordele, GA 31015. Arrangements by Rainey Family Funeral Services.