It is with profound sadness that we share news of the passing of our beloved Dr. Wessylyne Alford-Simpson. Her 90th birthday was celebrated on November 1, 2020. Wessylyne was a pillar of the Alford family. Much of the connection and history that we share are due to her commitment and efforts to preserve the Alford legacy. She was the author of, PROMISES, HERITAGE OF AN AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY (N.P.; Smith Printing & Specialty Company, 1992), which chronicles the lineage of the seven descendants of Solomon Alford. Additionally, Dr. Alford-Simpson tirelessly devoted herself to the family through hosting reunions, sharing our history and welcoming family from near and far. Her commitment and passion stand as an example of what living with purpose truly means. Dr. Wessylyne Alford-Simpson tirelessly served her family and community. She was a well-respected retired educator, role model, mother, grandmother, wife, mentor and friend. She was a tenured professor and Director of the Division of Education, Dean of Women and an Associate Dean of Students at Langston University. She also served as chairperson of the Department of Education at Wilberforce University (Wilberforce, Ohio). Her countless awards include receiving a citation from the Oklahoma State Legislature in 1987 and Langston University naming her Teacher of the Year in 1978. She was also a member of the Southern Regional Education Board. Wessylyne was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She previously served as graduate advisor to the Alpha Zeta undergraduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on the campus of Langston University as well as Regional Director of the Mid-Western Region. She is preceded in death by her parents Emily Dunlap Alford & Wesley Dow Alford; son James Wesley Simpson; son-in-law James W. Harding, Sr.; granddaughter Angela Nicole Simpson; brothers George, Charlie, Wesley, Lesley, Major, Sylvester, Freddie and Romeo; and sisters Sylvia, Ione, Ethel, Gertie Mae, Sunshyne and Ernestyne. Cherishing her beautiful memories are her husband of 62 years, James Allan Simpson; son Michael A. Simpson, Sr. (Monica); daughter Dr. Lynne Simpson-Harding; daughter-in-law Brenda Simpson; sister Violet Alford-Patterson; grandsons Michael Simpson, Jr. & Mark Simpson; granddaughter Sydney Michelle Scott; great-grandsons Jorel Simpson & Jasiah Simpson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, sorority sisters and friends. Services: Earl M. Temple Memorial Chapel, 2801 N. Kelley Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Visitation: 12pm-7pm Thursday, December 10, 2020
Services date and time: 2pm Friday, December 11, 2020
Burial: Summit View Cemetery, 1808 N. Pine, Guthrie, OK 73044
Alford Lineage: Wessylyne is the daughter of Wesley Dow & Emily Alford; and Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford.