Joanna Helen Alford

Joanna H. Alford, 69, of Elkton, MD, died, from pancreatic cancer on Monday, September 18, 2006, peacefully in her home. Joanna was born in New York on September 24, 1936 to Helen Felter nee Snel. She graduated from Hackensack High School in Hackensack, New Jersey. Following High School, Joanna attended Glassboro State College where she obtained her bachelors degree in education. She taught elementary school in River Edge New Jersey for a year before marrying her husband, Charles. Joanna was the beloved wife of Charles Abner Alford for nearly 47 years. She is also survived by her four children, Mike, Beth, Charlie and Susan, as well as eight grandchildren. Joanna's interests were many and varied. Her hobbies included travel, genealogy, bowling and bird watching. However, her greatest love was history, especially local history. She was a member of the Historical Society of Cecil County and the Elk Landing Historical Society. She was secretary to, and member of the Elk Landing Board of Directors and was instrumental in the preparation and distribution of the quarterly newsletter. Perhaps her most important discovery during her work at Elk Landing was the "Jefferson Letter". Written in July of 1801, this letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Delaware Baptist Association details Jefferson's views on individual and religious freedom and provided unique insight into the author of the Declaration of Independence. Viewing will be held at Crouch Funeral Home, 127 South Main Street, North East, MD 21901 Thursday, 21 September from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be Friday, 22 September at 10:00 AM, at Crouch Funeral Home, with interment immediately following at Wesley United Methodist Chapel, 2015 Old Elk Neck Road, Elkton, MD 21921. Friends and Family will gather afterwards at Wesley United Methodist Church, 41 Justice Way, Elkton, MD 21921. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in Joanna's name, may be made to The Historical Elk Landing Foundation Inc., Post Office Box 277, Elkton, MD 21922-0277 or they may be left at Crouch Funeral Home. For condolences visit www.crouchfuneralhome.com.