Obituaries

Marguerite Mary Murphy Alford

Photo of Marguerite Mary Murphy Alford
MARGUERITE MARY MURPHY ALFORD, lifelong Little Rock resident, made her final journey to Heaven on Aug. 15, 2014. She was 108 years old and lived a life full of family, extended family and special friends. She was born June 16, 1906 to Thomas and Helena Murphy. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Uriel B. Alford; her son, Uriel B. Alford Jr. (Gretchen Vogler); and her siblings Joe P. Murphy (Babe Bott) and Louise Murphy Sarli (Al). Over the course of her life she held several interesting jobs. Her first job was playing the piano at Montgomery Ward for customers interested in purchasing sheet music. She and Louise also provided musical entertainment in the tearoom of the Lafayette Hotel. Another one of her jobs was playing the piano in local theaters that showed silent movies. She was an organist at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church where she worshipped for many years. She later worked at Pfeifer's selling gloves and handbags for 22 years. Later on she worked in the nursery at Trinity United Methodist Church for 29 years. Long after her retirement, her Trinity family continued to remember her in many thoughtful ways. At age 102, a fire forced Marguerite to move from her home where she had lived independently. She chose to live at Presbyterian Village where she became fast friends with the residents and staff alike. She was chosen first runner-up to Miss Presbyterian Village and Miss Congeniality. While there, she received such loving care for which our family is deeply appreciative. She lived there for over five years until her death. Our family would like to thank Marguerite's Eucharistic Minister from Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church, Bubba Klugh, who visited weekly and was a special friend. We would also like to thank Arkansas Hospice who lovingly cared for her during her last days. Survivors are her grandchildren, Mike Alford (Jacquie), and Angie Alford; great-grandchildren are Jaymie Herberg (Blaise); Sydney Patapoff (Nick); and Cameron, Rebecca and Shelby Alford; great-great-grandchildren are McKenna and Brayden Herberg. Her nieces include Suzanne Coulter, Patti Dailey (Jim), and Margie McCain (Mike); and many great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. She cherished the love from her extended family, the Voglers. A memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at l0 a.m. preceded by a visitation at 9:30 at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church, 1003 North Tyler in Little Rock. Reverend Tom Marks will officiate. Interment follows in the Church Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers Marguerite asked that contributions be made to Birthright of Greater Little Rock, 804 N. University, 2205. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

Published August 24, 2014

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