Pat Alford

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Pat Alford passed on to her new heavenly home on November 8, after a short illness. She was at home and transferred peacefully in her sleep having been comforted over the last few weeks by her husband, children, caregivers from Avalon Hospice and Home Instead, and many friends. She also received great comfort from knowing Jesus as her friend and savior from an early age and taught her entire family to love Him.

Pat was born on September 22, 1950 at the old Freeman Hospital in Joplin to Scott and Patricia Plumb. 

She attended Joplin schools and graduated from Joplin High School in 1968. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Missouri Southern State College in 1972. She taught first grade, kindergarten and reading in Baxter Springs, Kansas, from 1972 until 1992. She greatly enjoyed teaching and working with children throughout her life. 

After retiring from teaching to raise her family, she started an in-home day care for dozens of neighbors and friends over the years. She was active with the Cub Scouts and Girls Scouts and started the King’s Kids children’s choir at church which led to over 20 years of directing the Christmas church musical. She was also secretary and member of the board of directors for the Joplin Association for the Blind for many years. 

She cared deeply for her family and people, especially for children. It was her life’s mission, given by God, which she carried out until her last days.

She married John Alford in December, 1971, and he survives. She always wanted a large family. Having been raised in the Royal Heights area, she had to pass the old Joplin orphanage, which was located near the existing Boy’s and Girl’s Club, whenever they came into town. She once asked her mother what an orphanage was. Upon hearing her mother’s response, she replied that she wanted to have an orphanage when she grew up. 

With her husband John, she had 3 children (David, Patrice and Rebecca). Over the next 26 years, they proceeded to adopt 12 children from Korea, Honduras, Texas, China, and Missouri. All of her children (David, Patrice, Rebecca, Dennis, Martha, Julia, Kahee, Michael, Matthew, Dray, Sharae, Li, Victoria, Veronica and Von) along with 19 grandchildren survive her. She is also survived by her siblings (Dixie, Trinket and Scott) along with multitudes of cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one grandchild (Leland).

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at the Carl Junction Christian Church at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 21.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Christian Church of Carl Junction or to the Joplin Association for the Blind.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.