Dorothy Marcia (Hunt) Alford

"Dottie"

On the night of Sunday May 17th, 2026, Dorothy Marcia Alford, a resident of Indianapolis Indiana passed away at the age of 84. She was surrounded by her 3 boys comforting her in her transition.

Dorothy was born on June 8th, 1941, to Theron and Corabelle Hunt in Cassopolis, Michigan. She had 17 siblings, 11 who lived to adulthood. Their family became known as the "Gummys" throughout the village of Cassopolis. She attended Cassopolis High School, where she was a cheerleader and active in various clubs. She graduated in 1959.

After high school graduation, she was performing at a talent show with her singing group, the Rythmettes. There she met Jerry Alford, who was also performing at this talent show with his group, the Casuals. Not too long after, they were united in wedlock in Cassopolis on October 5th, 1961. To their union 3 sons were born.

Shortly after their wedding, Jerry and Dorothy moved to Corby Street, and that household was a staple on the EASTSIDE of South Bend during the 60s, 70s, 80s, and the 90s. So many kids from the EASTSIDE spent hours in the Alford backyard playing football, basketball, and having fun. It seems like thousands of gallons of water were drunk from that water hose after those backyard battles on hot days. Their home on Corby Street exhibited a labor of love. Every year a major renovation project was undertaken by Jerry and Dorothy, from converting the attic to bedrooms for the boys, to a new kitchen, to digging out a basement, to a new family room with an attached garage, to a basketball court for the boys, and much more. Dorothy used her talent and skills to refurbish antique furniture. She annually planted beautiful flowers outside the home. She led by example for maintaining a safe, clean and attractive neighborhood. When her sister-in-law passed away, she welcomed her two nephews into the household. Just like that, the only gal in a house with 4 teenage boys, a preschool boy, and her husband. She kept the ship tidy and on course like only Dorothy could.

In addition to being an accomplished Homemaker and Mother, she held several valuable positions and stayed active in the community. She was a Crossing Guard and helped tutor students at Perley Elementary School. She was the In-School Suspension Supervisor at Dickinson Middle School where she garnered the moniker “Sergeant Dorothy” for her stern disposition. She was also an ISS supervisor at Edison Middle School. Starting in 1995, she coached a softball team, DRC, for 5 years. The ladies improved under her leadership, and it was fun to watch them play and see their team chemistry.

In 1996, Dorothy and Jerry moved off the EASTSIDE and out to Brick Road. Then in 2005 they left South Bend and moved to Indianapolis to be near their boys and grandchildren. Throughout all the years, so many of us enjoyed Dorothy's chocolate cake, cookies, homemade bread, potato salad, and so much more.

Dorothy was a soldier in the Army of God, and she actively and faithfully participated in her church of membership. She was a member of Laymen Chapel and Faith Baptist in South Bend.Then Greater Northwest, and Nehemiah in Indianapolis. She encouraged her neighbors to come to church and sometimes transported the neighborhood kids. She organized church programs, taught classes, worked in the nursery, and guided couples. She worked at the church's food and clothing pantry and led Bible Study as she continued her own religious studies. She also participated in the prison ministry.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband Jerry Alford. Her siblings Lavina Evans, Theron Hunt,Twins Barbara and Jack Hunt, John Hunt, Triplets Dean, Delbert and Delores Hunt, Joseph Hunt, Earnest Hunt, Patricia Forrest, Lola Ktabo, Carol Davis, Charles Hunt, and Twins Douglas Hunt and Deborah Sammuel. She is survived by her sister Sharon Doss. Sons Adrian Alford (Chona), Jerry Alford (Paula), and Damon Alford (Renee). Brother-in-law Paul Alford (Veronica), Sister-in-law Sue Harrison (Frank). Grandchildren Alitha Alford, Tyler Alford, Mark Alford, Kellyn Alford, Natasha Alford, Gabrielle Alford, Damon Alford II, Maxwell Alford and Dayson Alford.

Dorothy touched so many lives across a broad timeline and spectrum. The breadth and depth of her impact is truly remarkable. Dorothy will be missed not just by her family, but her friends and loved ones alike.

To our Mom, Sister, Mother-In-Law, Sister-In-Law, Aunt, Grandma, Maw Maw, Coach, Mrs. Alford, Dorothy, Dottie.

WE LOVE YOU!