In Loving Memory

November 30, 1923 – May 14, 2021

Officiating: Dr. Donnie L. Nero Sr.

Friday, May 21, 2021

11:00AM

Clearview Community Center

Clearview, Oklahoma 74880

Final Resting Place

Clearview Cemetery

Amelia Louise Swain Alford was born in Clearview, Oklahoma on November 30, 1923 to Lloyd V. and Rosie Swain. She attended Clearview Elementary School and graduated from Clearview High School. After her studies in her hometown, she enrolled at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1945. At 22 years old, she was assigned to her first teaching job at Waurika Elementary School in Waurika, Oklahoma. She continued to educate children in various towns around the state, including Tullahassee, IXL, Slick, and Tulsa Dunbar. Louise accepted her final teaching position at Mark Twain Elementary in Tulsa, Oklahoma during the integration of Tulsa Public Schools. She remained there until she retired in 1984 after 39 years of service to a multitude of communities in Oklahoma.

Louise was extraordinarily devoted to her family. In 1951, she married the late Romeo J. Alford, Sr. In an article Romeo Sr. wrote, entitled “The Woman Behind the Man at the Top of the Hill”, he described Louise as “my best friend, my business partner, my social, economic, and political advisor - and above all - my wife for over forty years.” Louise was always noted for her ability to get things done. In 1958, the union added their beloved son, the late Romeo Jr., to their family. They worked on several endeavors together and were sources of constant support. In 1981, Louise and Romeo Sr. founded the Clearview Rodeo, which Romeo Jr. continued to produce until his passing. Their goal was to revitalize the community and bring former and current residents together in an annual event. Louise served in several capacities in this effort, including business manager, concession supervisor, and rodeo brochure editor

Louise also found great pride and joy in her extended family. She loved to share the accomplishments and memories of her nephews, nieces, and cousins to all she spoke to. She was a devoted member of both the Haynes, Swain, and Alford families. Furthermore, Louise was a member of the Flipper Chapel A.M.E. Church of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Louise was fervent in her faith. During her six-decade long membership she served as secretary, treasurer, trustee, and Sunday School teacher. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Omega Chapter #106. Throughout her extended career serving mostly the all-black communities of Oklahoma, Louise inspired many young students that passed through her classroom with her stern hand and enduring encouragement. She was recognized for her achievements in education in 2018 when she was inducted into the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame.

Louise Alford is preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, husband, and son. To cherish her bountiful memory are her granddaughter, Jordan Louise Alford; daughter-in-law, Brenda Alford; niece, Cinderella (Terry) Steed; nephews, Lloyd David Samilton and William Watson; sister-in-law, Violet Alford Patterson; cousins, Emma Jean Berryman, Thomas (Yvonne) Farris, and Lacy Moore; stepson, Kenneth Alford; and a host of cousins, family, and friends. Jack’s Memory Chapel Tulsa, OK 74106