Roma Mae Bivens Alford
September 11, 1940 – July 29, 2025
Roma Mae Bivens Alford, age 84, passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 11, 1940, in Derma, Mississippi, to the late Virgil Okle and Roma Idell Barker Bivens. As a young girl, her family moved to Calhoun City, where she attended Calhoun City Schools and began a life rooted in faith, love, and service.
On February 17, 1961, she married the love of her life, Larkin Smith Alford, Sr. Together they built a life marked by devotion and hard work, living and working in several Mississippi communities including Lexington, Kosciusko, Greenwood, and McCarley. They were partners in both marriage and business, owning and operating Attala Printing, Attala Lock and Key, Alford’s Lock and Key, and Hoffman’s Bonded Locksmith.
Roma was an active member of the West President Church of Christ, and her life was a testimony to her faith and service to others. She was a woman of strength, grace, and gentle wisdom. A gifted homemaker, Roma had a passion for creating beauty and comfort with her hands. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed crocheting, cross-stitching, and other needlework crafts. Roma was an avid gardener who found joy among growing and tending to her vegetables and flowers.
She had a wonderful sense of humor—sharp, witty, and endearing—and was always quick with a smile or a well-timed remark. In her later years, Roma found peace in the simple joys of life: swinging on the porch beside Larkin, listening to the sounds of nature, and watching their dog, Sunshine, play in the yard.
Roma was preceded in death by her parents, and her eldest son, Larkin Smith Alford, Jr. She is survived by her devoted husband, Larkin Alford, Sr., and four children, Oakley Alford (Ginger) of Kosciusko, Denee Saxton (Johnny Buck) of Boyle, Wanda Watkins (Greg) of Carrollton, Jason Alford (Paula) of McCarley, as well as her cousins, Judy Gregg of Slate Springs, Bonnie Barker of Pontotoc, and Rikki Ann Herdahl of Pontotoc.
She was a proud and loving grandmother to 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy.
Roma was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who met her. She will be remembered as one who loved deeply, laughed freely, and lived a life of quiet, enduring beauty. Her legacy of love and faith will remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.
Pallbearers will be Colby Alford, Jordan Alford, Chase King, Sean Alford, Preston Alford, and Josh Watkins.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 11:00 AM at Wilson and Knight Funeral Home in Greenwood. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home. Bro. Mark Shiers will officiate the services.
"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord."
— Matthew 25:23
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sunnybrook Children’s Home 222 Sunnybrook Rd. Ridgeland, MS. 39157
Wilson and Knight Funeral Home is in charge. Online guestbook may be signed at www.wilsonandknight.com
