Tempe Alston

Tempe Tharrington Alston, age 92, passed away peacefully at her home where she lived for over 80 years on Monday, October 24, 2022. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on April 11, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Marvin Tharrington and Eva Harper Tharrington. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of over 65 years, John Allen Alston, Jr. There is no doubt that Johnny was waiting patiently with a cup of HOT, BLACK coffee.

Tempe was a life-long member of First United Methodist Church in Rocky Mount, following in the tradition set by her parents and paternal grandparents. She graduated from Whitakers High School and Atlantic Christian College with a business degree. Tempe was a dedicated employee of Sears Roebuck for over 38 years and was present at the Grand Opening of all three Sears retail stores in Rocky Mount. She took great joy in bringing a homemade birthday cake to her fellow co-workers to help them celebrate their birthdays.

She loved her Johnny. She loved her church. She loved that old house. She loved her children and their families. She loved the State Fair. Whenever trouble came around, Tempe was there with a calmness, a "How can I help" attitude, and the spirit of "Keep On, Keeping On!"

Tempe is survived by her two children, Joanne "Jaye" Knox and Larry Alston (Kathy Denise); her grandchildren, John Knox (Alison), Joshua Knox (Sandra), Aaron Knox (Tara), Matthew Alston (Cami), Brittany Alston, and Victoria Alston (fianc? Donald Yager); her great-grandchildren, Lacy Knox, Jazmine Knox (Oscar), Ethan, Owan, Ava, Aydan, Layla, and Sierra; and her great-great-grandson, Leilan.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 11:00 AM in The Gravely Memorial Chapel at First United Methodist Church, 100 South Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. David Joyner officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.

The family would like to say special thanks to Dr. David Browder and his staff, and the staff at Kindred Hospice.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to, First United Methodist Church, 100 S. Church St., Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.