Prentiss Keith Alford

Keith Alford was born in McComb, MS, the first of three children of Murrell Dodds and Marine Corp Colonel Percy K. Alford. Keith graduated from McComb High School in 1960 and went to Millsaps College in Jackson, MS, graduating in 1964 with a double major in mathematics and philosophy. His mentor in college was the Rev. George Stevenson, an Episcopal priest who was influential in Keith's decision to become an Episcopalian.

Keith taught mathematics in High School in Green Cove Springs, Florida waiting for his fiancée (also named Keith) to graduate from college. They married September 4, 1965, and both taught in Florida for a year. After that, the Alfords moved to The University of Mississippi for graduate school. As a graduate student instructor of mathematics at the University of Mississippi, Keith earned the M.A. and Ph.D., while his wife also taught and earned advanced degrees in art. In 1972-73, he and his wife spent a year in Manchester, England, on her Fulbright-Hays Fellowship. While there, Dr. Alford took courses offered by Manchester University, studying Theology with Prof. David Pailin.

Returning to the States in mid-fall, Dr. Alford was offered a teaching position in the Mathematics Department at Alcorn State University. In the summer of 1974, Dr. Alford was awarded a fellowship to study computer science at the laboratory in Livermore, CA. The trip by car to California provided the couple the opportunity to see how vast and beautiful our country is. 

Dr. Alford taught at Alcorn State University for thirty-three years, retiring as Chairman of the Mathematics Department in 2006. However, he continued teaching graduate courses after retirement and worked with students having difficulties in mathematics. "Doc" as he was known to his grandchildren, was proud of his family and their accomplishments. He leaves behind his wife, Constance Keith Rogers Alford; his son, Claiborne Kennedy Alford and his wife Michelle Buchanon; his daughter, McKenna Caswell Alford Hill; his grandchildren, Cooper and Layne Alford and Harper Hill, along with his nephews, Alex Alford and Gregory Fuller. 

A celebration of the life of Prentiss Keith Alford will be held St. James' Episcopal Church, Port Gibson, on Saturday, September 27, beginning at 12:15 p.m. with a performance by "String Duo Selah," followed by the funeral, beginning at 1 p.m. A luncheon will be served in the Parish house after the service. 

As a devoted member of his church, Dr. Alford would be honored to know that any contributions made in his name would go to further the mission of St. James' Episcopal Church, Port Gibson.

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