The funeral services for the late Mrs. Emily Irene Royster Alford, who departed this life on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from the Venue 82 Event Center, 1001 W. Franklin St., Sylvester, GA. Pastor Terrell Carter will deliver the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Shepard Memorial Garden Cemetery.

On February 10, 2026, God washed Emily Royster Alford in the newness of life and eternal security. After a magnificent journey as a daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, friend, church member and co-worker, she left her earthly burdens behind in order to embrace the new season God has planned for her. She refused to look back but stepped on board the golden chariot that ushers us into the presence of God.

Emily was born on May 9, 1962, in Worth County, Georgia, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Johnny B. and Edith Ruth Brown Royster. Emily received her elementary and secondary education in the Worth County Public School System, graduating from Worth County High School in 1980. Emily furthered her education by attending Albany Technical College and becoming certified as a Computer Repair Technician. Later, she would expand her skills in this area by becoming a compassionate, efficient, and valued Customer Service Representative. Her love of learning led to her taking leadership classes through the City of Albany, which would enhance her abilities and push her further up the administrative ladder.

While Emily thrived in her career achievements, she had other notable graces, and she loved God. At an early age, Emily confessed Christ as her Savior and joined the First African Baptist Church of Sylvester, Georgia. Although her life would take her away from her hometown and church, she immediately connected with her current faith community family. At the time of her passing, Emily was a respected and loved member of the Oakridge Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia under the pastorage of Dr. Antwion Yowe. At Oakridge, she was a valued member of the Usher Ministry. Nothing gave her more pleasure than serving as a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord. She embraced greeting and talking to adults and children. However, Emily felt that she could only be a good servant if she knew what God expected of her. Through that love of learning, she thrived on studying His holy Word. It was Sunday School which nurtured her spiritual, personal, and ethical growth. Because she did know the Lord, to know Emily was to be in the presence of strength, kindness, meekness, dignity, independence, and gentleness. She needed no justification to be who she was. In the midst of the crowd or even alone, she still walked to her own sweet music.

Many are left to celebrate the legacy of Emily’s season. She had a joyous and fulfilled life with her husband, Timothy Alford, for 39 years. She was also blessed to be the mother of two sons: Kenobi Jones, her eldest son, who preceded her in death, and her youngest son, Terrence Alford of Albany, GA. She loved her family, but she had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren: Alexis Jones, Aliza Leslie, and Adam Leslie, all of Atlanta, GA. Also grieving her passing are four sisters: Cynthia Royster of Albany, GA; Leslie Royster of Palm Coast, FL; Cheryl Frazier of Sylvester, GA, and Jonya Royster of Jacksonville, FL; four brothers: Johnny (Leah) Royster of Guam; Samuel Royster of Jacksonville, FL; Jahmai (Rashondra) Royster of Atlanta, GA; Cody Royster of Jacksonville, FL; one sister-in-law: Ruby Jean Phillips of Atlanta, GA; five brothers-in-law: Clifford Alford and Reginald Alford, both of Sylvester, GA; Bobby (Daphane) Alford of Albany, GA; Cedric (Audrey) Alford of Snellville, GA; Eric (Opal) Alford of Atlanta, GA; well-loved adopted parents, Mr. and Mrs. Narvin and Anita Tunstall; sister, Dana Tunstall and nephew, Kameron Tunstall, all of Albany, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and co-workers who are glad that she was in their life and mourn her passing.