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CHARISSE ALFORD Obituary
Charisse Alford, age 41, of Gainesville, FL passed away on October 4, 2010 after a long and valiant battle with breast cancer. She was born in Hollywood, FL on December 8, 1968.
She was a beautiful loving wife, mother, daughter and sister. Charisse was a long time bookkeeper at Brasington Cadillac and more recently, a sales associate at Aflac Insurance. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family and her beautiful dog Lilly. Charisse touched the lives of so many people with her big heart and beautiful smile.
Charisse is survived by her husband, Clete Alford of Gainesville, FL; son, Derek Estevez of Oviedo, FL; daughter, Christina Estevez of Gainesville, FL; mother, Mary Ann (Jim) Moore of Ft. White, FL; father, Frank (Carolyn) Martorella of The Villages, FL; maternal grandmother, Marie Amantea of Ft. White, FL; brother, Christopher (Stacy) Martorella of Ormond Beach, FL; sisters, Susan (Arthur) Calhoon of Ft. White, FL, Deanna (Joel) Feagin of Alachua, FL; nieces and nephews, Christopher, Matthew, Julianna, Frankie, Brooke, Nick, Hope, Laney, Berkley and Kingsley. Charisse is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Albert Amantea; paternal grandparents, Frank and Tillie Martorella; nephew, Kyle Martorella.
A Funeral Service Celebration of Charisse's life will be held Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 2:00pm at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 N.W. 143rd Street, with Pastor Chad Clemons officiating. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice of the Nature Coast, 150 N. Main Street, High Springs, FL 32643.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS WESTAREA
352-376-7556
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for CHARISSE ALFORD
Sponsored by Clete Alford.
Mommy
October 4, 2021
Here it is almost eleven years since I've seen your beautiful face. Missing you never gets old and it still breaks my heart to know I won't see you again in this lifetime. However, yours will be the first face I look for when I reach heaven. We won't be going to dinner tonight...but we will be for your birthday. I love you my precious one.
PS: You were so upset when I took this photo of you but it is one of my very favorites.
Mommy Moore
December 8, 2020
Good morning and happy 52nd birthday baby girl. I'll celebrate your special day in my heart and I'm sending you a big kiss and hug. I miss you birthday girl. Spread those wings and keep flying high. Love you so much. Mommy
Mary Ann Moore
October 4, 2020
Hello sweet girl. Tonight, your sisters, Christina, and I will celebrate your beautiful life as we've done every year since you left. Ten years...such a very long time without a hug or hearing your voice. Our hearts still hurt when we talk about you or mention your name. I love you baby girl and miss you so much. Mommy
Chris
August 7, 2020
My precious little sister. We still miss your smiling personality and your love for all. My heart continues to break and I wish you were here for a big hug. Love, Chris
These are for you baby.
Mary Ann Moore
October 18, 2019
Today is a very sad day without you. My heart hurts...just wish I could hug you for a short while.
Hey baby.
Mary Moore
October 4, 2019
Hello Sweetie. It's almost nine years since I last saw your beautiful face and smile. You are always missed and nothing is quite the same since you earned your wings. We keep you alive in our hearts and minds and we know we'll see you again one day . Keep smiling and showing your beautiful dimples for our Heavenly Father. I love you baby girl and I'm sending my love and a big hug to you. All my love, Mommy
Christel Holley
August 19, 2019
I thought of you today. I miss your smile and the beautiful person you were.
August 19, 2019
Thought of you today. Miss your smile and the beautiful person you were.
Your Santa Fe High School photo.
Mary Ann Moore
March 12, 2019
Today, I miss you so much. Of course, today's not a bit different than yesterday and the day before.
I love you sweet baby girl. Mommy
Lynn Manning
December 8, 2018
Happy Birthday my sweet friend. I know you are happy and at peace with no more pain or worries. Until we meet again, love you and miss you.
You fought a tough battle
Mary Ann Moore
December 7, 2018
Happy Birthday Baby Girl. Tomorrow you would have turned over a new numeral. I can't believe you would have been 50. Life is still hard without you and I don't think it will get any easier.
I love you sweetie. Have a very happy birthday in heaven. I'll be there one day to help you celebrate again.
Love and miss you forever,
Mommy
December 7, 2015
Happy birthday darling girl. Tomorrow you would have been 47. I still miss you so much but I know I don't need to tell you. Everyone is doing okay but they miss you too. Life will never be the same for any of us again. Come visit me in my dreams soon. I love you to the moon and back. Happy birthday Cher. Mommy
Lynn Manning
October 6, 2013
Well, Charisse, seems I still miss you my sweet friend as much as I did when you first left us to go home. The fight you fought was inspiring to say the least, and I know that God had a special place in heaven for warriors like you. Every time I look over at your house, I still see you outside with Lily and I miss that. You will be forever loved and missed. Take care, sweet Charisse, you and your beautiful smile live on in all our hearts.
Your forever friend,
Lynn
Mommy
October 4, 2013
It's now three years today and my love for you still grows. We all miss you so much. You are still my first thought in the morning and the last before I fall asleep. We are all carrying on with our lives because we know that's what you'd want but things will never be the same because of your absence. I love you sweet child. Rest in peace...we'll all be together again.
Just wehn the caterpillar thought the world was over, she became a butterfly.
Mommy
October 3, 2012
Hey baby girl. Tomorrow will be two years since we've hugged and smiled at each other and not a day's gone by that you haven't been on my heart. I can't even begin to tell you how much I miss you. I miss your sweet smile, beautiful dimples (like mine, lol) and hearing you say "I love you mommy". I hope you know how much you touched lives while you were here. You will be forever loved and missed. Don't forget to visit me more often when I sleep. I love you to the moon and back my sweet. Rest well. We'll see each other again soon.
October 1, 2012
Well, here I am again my friend. Your picture still sits on my counter where I can see your beautiful face everyday, and it always will. There was an unspoken bond and friendship between us and I will always love and miss you and will never forget you. Take care my darling friend, you were just the best and you will always remain in my heart. Love you, Lynn <3
Lynn Manning
October 1, 2011
I miss you so much, my friend. I hope you know how much I love you and wish I could give you a great big hug again. You were such a good friend, and my life has an empty spot in it where you once were. But you will always be in my heart, forever.
October 1, 2011
remembering Charisse.
Amanda Moore
August 17, 2011
I miss you, Charisse. My mom misses you too. Everybody misses you. Your smile. your presence. your everything. we love you so much. And soon we will all be chillin with you and Jesus. :)
October 9, 2010
Clete & Family,
There are no words that we can say right now to comfort you or take the pain away, so we just wanted to say "Thank You"! For bringing such a beautiful person into our lives and sharing her with us. We feel Blessed for having known her & being able to call her our friend. We will all miss her and feel as if we lived in the presence of an angel whom God has now called home...No more Cancer, No more Pain! We can take comfort in knowing that we will see her again in Heaven one glorious day and she will be smiling that beautiful smile. We love you and may the Lord & "Your" Guardian Angel grant you Peace! Larry & Jennifer Owens
Lynn Manning
October 8, 2010
Dearest Clete, Christina, Derek, and the Martorella family, Mary Ann, Susan, Deanna and Chris. God truly blessed me the day that Clete and Charisse moved in next door. Instantly, it was like I had known her forever and there was an instant chemistry. I watched her go through the battle for her life with its ups and downs and was amazed at her strength, courage and positive attitude. She was truly an inspiration and I will never forget her or her beautiful smile. I grew to love her in a very short time and will miss her terribly as she truly touched my life. I pray for God's strength and comfort for all of you as I can only imagine the emptiness and hurt you are feeling right now. I have cried until I can cry no more, but as her mother said to me at the service, it is now time to heal. I care so much for your beautiful family and will continue to pray for healing for all of you. I love you Charisse and I miss you so very much already. God speed my beautiful friend, you are without a doubt an angel who's light is shining brightly in heaven. God bless and comfort all of you in this time of loss.
Phyllis (Townsend) Breen
October 8, 2010
A True Loss to us all..Prayers and Thoughts are with all of you during this time..What a Beautiful Smiling Angel Heaven has..God Bless you all..
Tracy Holste Medwid
October 8, 2010
Clete, Derek, Christina and the entire Martorella family:
Words cannot express how deeply sad I am to hear what Charisse and you all have been going through! Charisse and your family have meant so much to us growing up. Her beautiful smile (with those deep dimples) and her high energy were so contagious to all of us. I will always remember the great times we've shared in Davie and when visiting the farm in Gainesville! I am so honored to have known her and to have shared a part of my life with her. Keeping those happy memories close to heart will keep her alive in all of us!
Love and Strength to all of you!!
Tracy (Holste) Medwid, Derek and Calvin
XO
Susie Blankenship
October 8, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of your loss...Heaven has added an Angel!We are praying for your family!
Jerry and Jerrilynne Hamby
October 8, 2010
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. I know your faith is strong - when you feel as though you can't stand anylonger...God's Love will carry you. Love you !
October 8, 2010
I spoke with Charisse early this year in Publix. She shared with me the things that she had overcome and her current fight. But she was not sad. She was grateful and in good spirits and that is how I will remember Charisse ...a beautiful gift from God.
Donna Bryant Lillie
SFHS Class of 85'
Kim Litzkow
October 7, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about Charisse's passing. She was always such a kind and loving woman. I worked with her at Brasington's and she always had words of courage and strength and a heart of gold. As someone already posted, she always had a smile on her face and laughter in her voice. She always welcomed me with warmth and kindness and I will remember her always. My prayers and condolences go out to her family and loved ones. I am thankful that she has found peace in the arms of the Lord and that she is no longer in pain.
Tawanda Evans-Pruitt
October 7, 2010
Clete & family,
I am so sorry for your loss and you have my deepest sympathy. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I remember the first time I met you (Clete) and you had such great optimism when you spoke of your wife. I pray for your strength in this tough time.
Aflac customer/former FIWI associate
October 7, 2010
Charisse was such a beautiful and fun person. She was always smiling and laughing, what a great laugh she had. She will be greatly missed by all. Condolences to all.
Lisa Hatch Lee
October 7, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Charisse. She was a beautiful person with a beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
Karen Marquis
October 7, 2010
I extend my sincere sympathy for the loss of your loved one, Charisse. God now holds her in his gentle hands. He is also holding each of you and reaches out to comfort you. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Mark & Faith Tooke
October 7, 2010
Clete,
May the love of God wrap His arms around you and comfort you-
Lifting you up in heartfelt prayer with our sincere condolences to all the family.
Misty Carlson
October 7, 2010
Sending my thoughts and prayers to Charisse's family and friends, I was a friend of Deanna's in High School but I always remembered Charisse and her big, beautiful eyes and bright smile, May God bless her.
mark huffman
October 7, 2010
charisse was always so great with everyone sorry for your loss may god be with her and her family,
mark huffman
October 7, 2010
To my beautifull Christina and Dereck,I wish I would have stayed more in touch with your Mom did not no she was facing this. She was a really beautifull person I always enjoyed seeing her beautifull smile when she brought yall into LaPetite when yall were small ,she will shirley be missed .I no she was always proud of you both.My thoughts and prayers goes out to yall. Love Linda Godshall
October 7, 2010
We have a great service planned for you today honey. I miss you so terribly much. Please help me be strong. Your husband forever. Clete
Susan Knight
October 7, 2010
Clete, Bobby and I are very sorry for your loss and will miss seeing Charisse at our Aflac meetings and trips. She's always in my thoughts and just know how loved she was.
David Ferrara
October 7, 2010
To My Beautiful Cousins,
I cannot find the words to express my deepest sympathies. May God Bless You and Comfort you in this very difficult time. Charisse' smile and beauty will live in my heart forever. I Love and Miss you all so very much.
BUDDY HARPER
October 7, 2010
CLETE AND FAMILY,
MAY GOD BLESS EACH ONE DURING THIS HARD TIME. MAY YOU ONLY KNOW, TO BE ABSENT FORM THE BODY IS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD. SHE IS IN GOOD HANDS. CLETE BE STRONG IN THIS HARD TIMES. JERRY, THANKS FOR BEING THERE FOR CLETE AND FAMILY.
Chris & Marisa Holste
October 7, 2010
To Clete, Derek & Christina, and the Martorella Family -
No words can express how sorry we are for your loss. Cher was a beautiful person and such a bright light in this world. Her amazing smile and positive energy were unmatched. She will be so missed. Our love to you all.
Kristin Jones
October 7, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of my beautiful friend Charrisse. It has been many years since I've seen her but she has been on my mind and in my thoughts alot lately. Although, I do not know her husband, my prayers go out to him and his family. I am also praying for her children,Derek & Christina.... Charisse was a BEAUTIFUL person & will be missed by so many! GOD BLESS!
Jan & Bert Aldamuy
October 7, 2010
Clete and family: Charisse was such a beautiful, kind person with a smile that would brighten a room. I know she will be missed beyond words. Bert and I send our sincere condolennces and will keep you in our prayers.
Alan Smith
October 7, 2010
Praying for you.
Stanley Harris
October 7, 2010
To Chris Martorella and family. My condolences are extended to each of you. May God continue to bless you daily, richly, and abundantly.
Minnerva Smith
October 6, 2010
Susan & Family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories and joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. You are in my prayers. Love you
Ellen Everette
October 6, 2010
Clete, I wish I could take the pain away that you are feeling with the loss of Charisse.
This candle represents the light that she has lit in your life and others. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelitha Williams
October 6, 2010
Dear Deanna and Family,
I pray that you all will find comfort in knowing that GOD will be with you all every step of the way. Charisse has entered a place of no more sufferring and no more pain. GOD bless you all! D~ I am here for you.
My deepest sympathy,
Kevin Blackburn
October 6, 2010
I want to express my deepest sympathy to Charisse's family. I worked with her at Brasington for many years and she was such a nice, positive, helpful person. Will miss her, what a fight she fought!
Lori Barwick
October 6, 2010
Charisse,
This candle is for you. May you shine forever.
Jennifer Perry (Boggs)
October 6, 2010
Charisse was a wonderful, good, sweet, genuine person. My thoughts and prayers go to all her family and friends. I went to school with Charisse, but life happens and we all loose touch....I remember that smile like I just saw it yesterday, hard to believe it was 24 years ago. All my love
Doug, Lyvonne Johnson
October 6, 2010
Mary Ann, Jim and Family,
Our prayers are with you. We have no words that will ease your pain but know that we love you even though time has passed since we last met.
Doug and Lyvonne Johnson
October 6, 2010
I have nothing but great memories of Cher.. We all were always laughing and having a good time. All my love to her family- Jodie-Hollywood, FL
Rachael Shaffer (Gray)
October 6, 2010
to the entire family...
I was so sorry to hear the news this week of Charisse. I went to school with her and will treasure those memories. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with her last year through a few phone calls. Then just after the first of the year, she sent me a beautiful hand written note... of which I will now hold dear to me. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandra Edwards Hazen
October 6, 2010
Chris, I am so saddened and sorry. You and your family are in my heart and prayers. It makes me smile to think she is rocking your little one....I know that must be a comfort to you and Stacy.
Eileen Carter
October 6, 2010
Charisse was such a lovely person and such a joy to be around. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Terri Smith
October 6, 2010
Charisse had the most wonderful smile, you couldn't help but smile when you saw her. I feel so lucky to have met her. Susan and family I'm thinking of you all. Love, Terri
John & Mary Cutler
October 6, 2010
Clete we are sad to hear of the loss of your wife. Praying for you and your family.
Calvin Barnes
October 6, 2010
Clete I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. I will surely be praying for you and your family. Calvin Barnes
Becky Bonds
October 6, 2010
You will always shine brightly in our hearts Charisse.
Debbie Himes
October 6, 2010
Dear Mary Ann and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family; may her soul rest in eternal peace. God Bless.
Love,
Debbie
Paige Hendrix
October 6, 2010
To Derek, and Christina, I'm so sorry we can't be with you there tomorrow in body, but just know that we are there in Spirit. Again, we are so sorry for your loss and offer any support you may need during this hard time.
Rachel Hill
October 6, 2010
I pray the family finds the comfort and strength needed to get through their grief in the loss of this wonderful woman, wife and mother. Rachel & Ronnie
@ Dave Barber's
Missy and Todd Nicholson
October 6, 2010
We send our deepest condolences to you, Clete. Many prayers for you and her entire family. May your happy memories of her bring you comfort during this difficult time.
tammy katz
October 6, 2010
May your sorrow be overcome with loving memories to comfort you.
Michelle Vance
October 6, 2010
May God's love guide your family and friends through this time. Find comfort in knowing her beautiful smile is well remembered by people from long ago and know she is still with you always. She fought the good fight, and many who remain will continue to do so. So very sorry for your loss.
Kay Mainor Wimpy
October 6, 2010
Deanna - I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time and in the days ahead.
Joan Hamby
October 6, 2010
Deanna and family, I pray the Lord will provide comfort at this difficult time for you.
Darlene Geiger
October 6, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I followed her courageous battle with a friend that is also battling breast cancer. God has a beautiful angel watching over all of you.
Danny Rodriguez
October 6, 2010
My deepest condolences to the whole family..... she will be missed terribly.
Darlene Geiger
October 6, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you go this tragic ordeal. I followed Charisse's battle on Facebook. She and another friend were both battling breast cancer. God has a beautiful angel. You will always have the lovely memories of her.
October 6, 2010
Our hearts are heavy for you - We pray you will know the comfort of the Father in a very real and certain way during this time of physical loss of Charisse. Love and blessings to the entire family. Mitch and Teresa White
October 6, 2010
What a testimony of God's grace Charisse was. You are all in our prayers. May God give you the strength, peace, and comfort you need at this difficult time.
Love, Aunt Sharon and Uncle Richard
Jana Horton
October 6, 2010
My loving thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of loss. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Charisse very well but, on the occasions that we met at Brasingtons, her smile and personality resonated.
May God bless this family and may Charisse rest in peace.
Liberta Holste
October 6, 2010
We are so sorry to hear about Charisse. She struggled for so long and is now at peace. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Her smile will always be a very special part of all the wonderful memories I have of her growing up.
Stacy Schwind
October 6, 2010
Our prayers go out to Christina, Derek, and Clete. Charisse was a great friend and co worker. Stacy, Trace, and Alexis
Shawna Young
October 6, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories and knowing that she is now an angel watching over you. Charisse will be greatly missed by all those blessed to have known such a wonderful woman. (Fellow Pink Sistas are still fighting for a cure!) Forever in our thoughts and prayers...Shawna, DJ & Herb
Kathy Niblack
October 6, 2010
Mary Ann, Deanna and family,
Praying for you as you walk through this difficult time..May your feel the comfort of God's arms around you through the days ahead.. Hold on to the precious memories they will sustain you.. Love to you all..
October 6, 2010
To the family of Charisse,
You are all in my thoughts & prayers! Charisse was the most kind, and accepting person I know! My Gods healing hands touch all of you in this time of need.
Kim Skinner Cason
Lori Knowles
October 6, 2010
Dear Martorella Family,
So, so sorry for your loss. Charisse was a good friend and I have some great memories of time spent together. I am so amazed at the way your family has pulled together at this difficult time. What a testimony you all are. May God give you all peace.
Barbara Fowler
October 6, 2010
Our prayers and love are with you.
Bob & Barb Fowler
Ruth and Mike Franklin
October 6, 2010
"While we mourn our loss, others are rejoicing to meet her in heaven". Our thoughts are with the entire family, some we know, some we don't, but our hearts and prayers are with you.
Billy and Stacey Wood
October 6, 2010
"We are sorrry for you loss and have you in our hearts during this time of hardship."
October 6, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your entire family.
Jim & Rita Troiano
October 6, 2010
Mary Ann, Deanna and family,
May the Lord be with you at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ruth Kusky, Lake Butler, Florida
Paige Adams
October 6, 2010
Deanna and family,
We are so sorry for your loss of your sweet sister, Cherisse. May you find comfort and peace during this time and the days ahead.
We love you! Jeff, Paige, Ann Katherine and Ava Adams
Susan Sheridan
October 6, 2010
Christina and Derek you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your mom was a wonderful person and will live on in our hearts. The Sheridan Family
Myra Lancaster
October 6, 2010
Oh Precious Charisse what a sad loss of such a beautiful person. Your long battle is finally ended and what a true warrior you have been thru it all. May your soul rest in the hands of God and may we all continue to be blessed in our lives just for having the pleasure of knowing you.
Clett, I know all to well you have deemed a great loss of your soulmate, may God contiune to shine on you and bless you and the children thru this loss and help you heal. Forever your Friend Myra Lancaster
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