Kwame Wesley Alford was born Wesley Milton Alford on February 10, 1958, in Norfolk, Virginia. He departed this life on February 27, 2025, after a long illness. His passing leaves a missing link in the love chain of his cherished family and friends.
Wesley was a faithful member of the Grace Baptist Church of Germantown in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was an affectionate, dedicated, and hard-working individual who rarely met a stranger. He always put the needs of others ahead of his own.
He had a love for sports, and chief among them were tennis and football. In his youth, he played in the local football league and would later play for Manor High School and Morgan State University. While at Morgan State, he earned a B.S. degree in Urban Planning and Business Economics and, later, an M.A. degree in History. Additionally, Wesley earned a Ph.D. degree in History from the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he ranked number one in his graduating class. During his educational journey, Wesley was inspired to adopt the name Kwame as a way of connecting to his African heritage. The name symbolizes optimism or potential. He was a mentee of Dr. John Henrik Clarke.
Wesley was actively involved in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., PI Chapter. He was a dedicated “Que” who loved to engage in fellowship with his fraternity brothers.
He spent the majority of his career as an educator. Wesley had a passion for teaching and was dedicated to improving the quality of education for his students. He was a professor of History, with an emphasis on African American and African Studies at Lincoln University, North Carolina A&T State University, Texas Tech University, California State University, Long Beach, and Chestnut Hill College. Wesley’s professional experience also included managerial positions at Digital Equipment Corporation, IBM Corporation, and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.
May his remarkable legacy as a father, brother, professor, leader, and friend inspire us all to strive for excellence and unity in his honor.
Wesley was preceded in death by his father, Leroy Alford, Jr., and his grandparents, Rev. Elmo Moseley and Mother Rosetta Moseley.
Wesley leaves to cherish his memory his three daughters, Alicia Duggins, Kamilah Duggins (Julius), and Folashade Alford; his son, Babatunde Alford; his granddaughter, Zora Horton; his grandson, Julius Horton; his mother, Annie Boone (Bernard); his sister Scherrie Cowell (Kent); his three aunts, Augustine Brown, Audrey Moseley, and Rosetta Faltz; his uncle, Roosevelt Moseley; his great aunt, Mother Doris Williams; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Condolences(6)-
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Pell Seaton says
March 5, 2025 at 6:35 pmWesley was a real sweetheart. My first secret high school crush. I’m glad I got to renew our friendship. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to the family. May he Rest In Peace. 🙏🏽🕊️
Rev. Dr. Charles Carrington Sr. says
March 5, 2025 at 9:46 pmTo the Family and Friends of Dr. Wesley Alford
Our sincere condolences with deep sympathy, our thought and prayers are with you. Our prayer is that God will keep you always in his care.
“Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God believe also in me” (John 14:1)
May God bless you and comfort you.
Love and Prayers
Rev. Dr. Charles and Elder Dr. Debbie Carrington
Jeraldine (Jerry) Donatien says
March 5, 2025 at 11:00 pmTo The Alford Family:
It’s so hard to lose a love one. In times like this God
holds you up and he will see you through it all.
Know that you are in my prayers and know that
Wesley is resting in the arms of God.
Jeraldine (Jerry) Donatien says
March 5, 2025 at 11:02 pmGreeting from Garland, North Carolina
To The Alford Family:
It’s so hard to lose a love one. In times like this God
holds you up and he will see you through it all.
Know that you are in my prayers and know that
Wesley is resting in the arms of God.
Rev Dr. Glenda P Murray Kelly says
March 10, 2025 at 5:45 amI just found out about Wesley death from a friend from way back. It appears that Westley studied to excel. May the family be comfort.
Michael L. Williams says
March 10, 2025 at 11:46 amIt was an honor to be able to participate in the home going services for Brother “Wes” Alford. Thank you to his sister, Scherrie, and the entire Alford Family…
Wes was an inspiration to many of us growing up in Cavalier Manor and to those who attended Manor High School after him. His educational prowess, athletic ability and his teaching resume’ were all impressive. And his expressed fraternal love for Omega Psi Phi was there until the very end.
To the family:
Always cherish the laughter and pleasantries of the fond memories of Wes. Allow God to comfort and keep you in the moments, days and years to come. I pray that you are blessed during this time of transition.
With fraternal love,
Brother Michael Williams, chapter basileus
Zeta Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Portsmouth, VA