With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Merle Alford of Durham, North Carolina, who passed away on April 14, 2024 at the age of 77. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by : her parents, Ralph Coolidge Blackley and Ella Pearce Blackley; her son Michael Wayne Alford; and her sister Melba Carol Blackley. She is survived by : her husband Mike Alford; her daughter Dawn Gooch (Eddie); her daughter-in-law Penny Rogers (Kenny); and her grandsons, Rusty Gooch and Collin Alford. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews.

Visitation was held on Thursday, April 18th 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM at the Banks Methodist Church (2632 State Hwy 96, Franklinton, NC 27525). A funeral service was held on Thursday, April 18th 2024 at 12:00 PM at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Banks Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 1276, Creedmoor, NC 27522 or to Pruitt Health Hospice, 301 S. Church St. Suite 135, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Sossamon Funeral Home