Obituary of Juanita Alford

Juanita P. Alford, 52, surrounded by her family at her home in Sterling, VA, died on August 10, after a three year battle with lung cancer. Beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother (MeMe) and friend, she is survived by her husband of 33 years, Billy Ray Alford of Sterling, VA, son Jeremy Alford of Sterling, VA, daughter Alanna Bourgeois, son-in-law Jared and three grandchildren Dominic Alexander, Sophie Layne, and Sydney Claire of Leesburg, VA, two sisters Linda P. Arceneaux of Rayne, LA, and Kathy P. Fruge of Sterling, VA, and two half-brothers Patrick Pellerin of Rayne, LA, and Mitchell Pellerin of Mamou, LA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Yolande B. Pellerin and Freddie J. Pellerin. A native of Rayne, LA, and a 1974 graduate of Rayne High School, Juanita enlisted in the United State Air Force after high school and served proudly and honorably as a Security Police Officer for 20 years. During this time, she was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base (LA), Kadena Air Base (Japan), Malmstrom Air Force Base (MT), Myrtle Beach Air Force Base (SC), Florennes Air Base (Belgium), Soesterberg Air Base (Netherland), and Nellis Air Force Base (NV). When she began her Air Force career, Juanita had the distinction of being one of only a few women serving as a Security Police Officer. Over the course of her career, she earned a number of commendations, including the two of which she was most proud, the Air Force Meritorious Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters. At the time of her retirement, she held the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1994, Juanita and her family returned to Rayne so that her two children could complete their high school educations in her home town. During her return to Rayne, she enjoyed a successful career at Robichaux Furniture in Layafette. In 1997, Juanita and Bill relocated to Sterling, VA, to begin new careers as federal employees. Juanita served seven years as a Federal Police Officer at the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. Bill is currently employed at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 13, from 2-5 pm and from 6-8 pm at the Adams-Greene Funeral Home (www.adamsgreen.com), 721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA. The Funeral Mass and burial will be in Rayne, LA. Gossen's Funeral Home (gossenfuneralhome.net) in Rayne, LA, is in charge of the final arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, her most loved and treasured charity.