Lillie (Augusta) Alford

Clinton

Lillie Augusta Alford was born to the late Daniel  and Virginia McRae Alford on October 14, 1946, in Clinton, North Carolina. She departed this life on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at her home, leaving behind a legacy of love, joy, and creativity.

She received her early education in the Sampson County School system and was as a proud member of the Sampson High School Class of 1964. During her high school years, Lillie showcased her talent as a gifted dancer, performing with the June Taylor Dancing Ensemble.

Lillie accepted Christ as her Savior early in life and became a dedicated member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Clinton, NC. As her health allowed, she participated in church activities, including serving as a member of the Adult Choir.

Funeral Service will be at 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 4442 Bonnetsville Rd, Clinton, NC 28328. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held 3:00-5:00 pm, with family present 4:00-5:00 pm, on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Hope Valley Hawkins Funeral Chapel, 1246 Hobbton Hwy., Clinton, NC 28328.

After high school, Lillie sought greater opportunities and moved to Jersey City, New Jersey. She was employed by the Western Electric Company, where she worked diligently for 10 years. When her mother fell ill, Lillie returned to Clinton to serve as her caregiver, demonstrating her deep love and devotion to her family.

Lillie had a passion for fashion, beauty, and hairstyling, earning a reputation as a true "fashionista" and "diva." Encouraged by family and friends, she pursued her interest in cosmetology, enrolling in the cosmetology program at Sampson Community College under the mentorship of Mrs. Bertha Armstrong. After completing the program and obtaining her cosmetology license, Lillie worked at Butler’s Barber Shop under Julian Butler and later with Bobby Harris.

With her entrepreneurial spirit, Lillie built a beauty shop at her home, where she served her clients with impeccable skill and creativity. She became one of the first cosmetologists in Clinton to offer hair-weaving services, and her beautifully styled wigs often left people wondering whether they were natural hair or not.

In addition to her talents in hairstyling, Lillie was known for her culinary skills. Her soulful dishes, such as fried fish, chicken pastry, and collard greens, were a delight to family and friends. Her sweet potato pies were legendary, rivaling even the best. Lillie brought her vibrant spirit to every gathering, making family reunions and Sunday dinners memorable.

She will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Virginia McRae Alford; three brothers, Glendon McRae, Willis C. Alford, and Vernon S. Alford; and one sister, Deaconess Hazel F. Alford.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one son: Alonzo Patrick Alford (Yvette) of Red Springs, North Carolina; granddaughters: Whitley Shardae Simpson of Raleigh, NC and Jaleesa LeShelle Simpson of High Point, NC; three sisters: Verda Delphine Darrell of Boiling Spring, NC, Don Brunetta Jackson of Memphis, TN, and Gail Ellison Sands, of Clinton, NC; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Special Thanks to Lorena Arnette, Gloristine Howard, and neighbors Phobie Spell and Alice “Tootie” Spell.

Hope Valley Hawkins Funeral Service & Cremation of Clinton is honored to serve the family of Lillie (Augusta) Alford.

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