The Life of Cherry Boyd Alpha
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension on Saturday, March 24, 2007 for the former Cherry Boyd Ellis who passed away peacefully, Saturday, March 17, 2007. The Rev. Duane E. Peterson, Associate Rector will officiate. Music will be provided by John Moore, organist, and vocalist, Cedric Foster.
She is survived by her five children and their families: Dana and George Lang, Sr. of Lafayette, Flo Alpha of Houston, Texas, Daniel Perry Alpha Jr. of The Woodlands, Texas, Joycelyn Langlinais Alpha of The Woodlands, Texas; David and Heidi Nehrbass Alpha of St. Martinville, La.; and James and Pattie Taboada Alpha of The Woodlands, Texas. Her 8 grandchildren and their families: Michael and Paula Alpha of Brookshire, Texas; George Lang Jr. and fiancé, Donna Brown, of Lafayette; Alison and Ryan Cravey of Cedar Park, Texas; Dana Faye Alpha of Houston, Texas; Avery Alpha of Washington, D.C.; Ian Alpha of Lafayette; Alexandria Alpha and Jordan Alpha of The Woodlands, Texas. Great grandchildren: Megan, McKenzie, Michael Todd II and Alexis L. Alpha; Hailee and Brittany Bouquet; Tyler and Parker Cravey. Two sisters: Gloria Lemke of Copco Lake, Montague, California and Helen Johnson of Seattle, Washington; sister-in-law, Toby Gothelf Ellis of Houston, Texas; her nieces, nephews and their families.
Cherry was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Daniel Perry Alpha Sr.; her parents, Florence Lillian Grevemberg of Jeanerette, La. and Oscar Gunn Ellis Sr. of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.; three sisters: Florence Monk, Shirley Langlinais, Gladney Weishaupt, and her brother, Oscar Gunn Ellis Jr.
She was born in Patterson, Louisiana on Sunday, December 4, 1921. Cherry spent her formative years in Groves, Texas. When she was in her early teens, after the death of her father, her family moved to Louisiana to be near her mother's family. They settled in Lafayette where she graduated from Lafayette High School, married and reared her children. During her husband's retirement years, they resided in the community of Parks. She returned to live in Lafayette after his death. Throughout her lifetime, Cherry planted seeds of love, kindness and goodness and she gave without a selfish thought. She will be remembered for her vivacious, fun-loving spirit and her generous, loving care and commitment to her family and friends. She leaves behind memories of the many joyful gatherings in her home. She wrote a diary of family history for her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Cherry will be remembered for her lovely gardens, her love of good books and for the cherished family recipes and traditions she passed along to her loved ones.
The family would like to express deep gratitude to Hospice of Acadiana, especially Donna Vidrine, R.N., Rev. Langley and Rose Lilly, for the kind, gentle care she received during her brief illness, also to Dr. Joseph Brierre, Dr. Julian Krawczyk and Dr. Michael Alexander for the quality of life she experienced in her remaining days. Visitors will be received by the family before services in the Owen Room at Episcopal Church of the Ascension from 11:30 until the time of service and afterwards at the home of George and Dana Lang.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made in Cherry’s name to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, Suite 200, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506 or www.hospiceacadiana.com.
Personal condolences may be sent to the Alpha family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.
Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette is in charge of all funeral arrangements.
