JoeAnn Alford

JoeAnn Alford, 88, of Carlyle, Illinois, formerly of Greenville, Illinois, passed away on May 12, 2025, in HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, Breese, Illinois.

JoeAnn was born September 9, 1936, in Madison, IL, the daughter of William Gillis and Katheryn (Allen) Wilson. She married Carl E. Alford on July 18, 1953, in Granite City, Illinois. They were married for over 63 years, before he preceded her in death on January 23, 2017.

She married Carl when she was 16 and began their family life. She was the heart and soul of the home. She was kind and generous and welcomed everyone in her home with open arms and a warm meal at the table.

She helped run/cook/serve a small family restaurant that she and Carl owned for a small period of time in Granite City.

They soon opened Alford Metals in Madison, Illinois and owned and operated that and then moved it to Greenville. After Alford Metals, they opened Alford Ceramic and Slip up and ran that for a few years. This is where she started ceramics as a hobby and would make and paint and sell at craft fairs. Native American Ceramics were her favorite as her father was part Native American.

Before moving to Greenville, she and Carl ran ball diamonds in Troy, Illinois where they spent a majority of their spare time running the fields as well as supporting her husband’s team and watching them play.

Once they retired, they then spent their time at their daughter’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.

When they didn’t spend time at sports, the rest of their time was always spent with family and close friends.

Throughout her life she lived in Madison, Granite City, Troy, and then Greenville.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband; son, Dennis E. Alford; daughter, Teresa Lynn Darnell; grandson, William Darnell; and brothers, William G. Wilson, Jr. and James A. Wilson and his wife, Anita.

Surviving JoeAnn are her daughters, Pamela Jo Alford of Wilsonville, Illinois and Heather (Scott) File of Collinsville, Illinois, granddaughter, Kathy Alford-Spitze of Wilsonville, Illinois;  5 great grandchildren; and brother, Clayton (Penny) Wilson Vandalia, IL.

The family will plan a celebration of life gathering at a later date.

The family asks that donations be given in lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, in memory of JoeAnn.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, 2309 W. White Oaks Drive, Springfield, IL 62704. Website: alz.org/illinois

The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the arrangements.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.