Patricia Ann (Cross) Alford

Mrs. Patricia Ann Cross Alford transitioned on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. She was born on May 20, 1977, in Jackson, North Carolina to John Alston and Ethel Mae Cross Alston.

During her early years, she was a member of Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor McKinley Nicholson and Rev. Timothy Edwards. Patricia taught Children’s Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and was a member of the Junior Choir.

After graduating from NCHS East High School in Conway, NC., Patricia enrolled at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree and became employed as a preschool teacher at Weldon Daycare in Jackson, NC.  After moving to Greensboro, she continued to work with children as a preschool teacher at the Childcare Network.  She loved learning and decided to pursue higher education. She received an Early Childhood Education Degree from Greensboro Technical Community College (GTCC), a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro (UNCG) and a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. Upon entering the Guilford County School System, Patricia’s first assignment was teaching at Guilford Elementary School. Later, she took her skills and expertise to Fairview Elementary School, where she was a dedicated teacher and mentor for over fifteen years.

She played a vital part in the summer “Y” Readers program, encouraging children’s literacy and their love for reading. Her commitment to fostering a positive learning environment made a significant impact on the students she served.

In 2013, Patricia married the love of her life, Roderick Alexander Alford.  They were blessed with a son, Roderick Alexander Alford II. She decided to join her husband and become a member of First Baptist Church of Trinity, NC under the leadership of Pastor Robin F. Plummer. Here, Patricia was the Director of the Youth Ministry where she dedicated her time to nurturing and inspiring young hearts with love and guidance. She also joined the Gospel Choir.

Patricia was known for her vibrant spirit and her dedication to her family. They valued their vacation time and enjoyed traveling and camping in their Travel Trailer (named Ms. Diane), mostly at the beach. Throughout her life, Patricia has made a lasting impact on everyone she met, exemplifying kindness and generosity. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who’ve loved her.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents: Agnes B. and James Cross; mother, Ethel Mae Cross Alston; brother, Jeff Cross; uncle, Robert Cross; in-laws, Christine and William Alford; sister-in-law P. Diane (Stanley Turner).

Left to cherish loving memories include, her beloved husband, Roderick Alexander Alford and their son, Roderick Alexander Alford II (fondly known as Lil’ Rod) of the home; siblings, Brenda Cross, Betty C. Ausby (Rev. David), Cheryl Cross, Gladys Cross, Carl “Mike” Cross (Elizabeth), Major Cross, Agnes Denise Schwartz (Scott), Vernon “Bird” Cross (Manisha), Tasha Alston, Nicole Alston, Malinda Alston; brother-in-law, Oscar Dwayne Alford (Rhonda); sister-in-law, Beverly Alford Lucas; sister-at-heart, Mary Dickens; twenty-three nieces and nephews, a host of great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Service Celebrating the Life of Patricia Alford will be given on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at First Baptist Church, 12504 Trinity Rd., Trinity, North Carolina.  The family will receive visitors and friends from 12:30 to 1pm and the service will begin at 1pm.  Burial will take place at the church cemetery.

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