Leanna McCaster Alphonse

Leanna McCaster Alphonse, a lifelong resident of Daphne, Alabama, passed away at the age of
90, at home surrounded by family. She received her early education from Baldwin County Training School, graduating in 1952.
She worked at the International Paper Co. for twenty years before retiring. After which, she went on to earn an associate's degree from Bishop State Community College in 1986.
Leanna was a dedicated member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. She served faithfully
for decades on the Usher Board, welcoming all with grace and humility. She also served as an
integral part of the Senior Mission Ministry--visiting the sick and shut in, providing meals, and
comforting grieving families. Her devotion and faith in God were unshakable, reflected in every
part of her life - from her daily prayers to the way she cared for those around her.
She was the matriarch of the Alphonse family - steady, gentle, and loving. No matter who you
were, she always made you feel seen. Even as her body grew tired, the love she planted in her
family continued to grow. Her family home was always alive with constant laughing and loud talking. She was always whipping up something good in the kitchen.
Leanna loved tending to her tomato and pepper plants. She watched over them with the same
patience and care that she showed to her family. She believed in tending to things-in keeping
them alive, nourished, and loved.
She was preceded in death by her husband Willie Alphonse, parents Johnny McCaster and Clara
McGrew, daughter Jamita Alphonse, son Carliss Alphonse, grandson Raymond Jones, and aunt
Loreina McCreary. She is survived by her children Claudine Jones, Gloria Barrow, Annice
Sledge, Bernice Jones and Quartez Alphonse; a devoted daughter-in-law Linda Johnson and a
devoted niece Dr. Regina Benjamin; grandchildren Felita (Hewitt) Ballard, Joseph Barrow,
Jerome (Sylver) Barrow, Carliss (Courtney) Johnson, Karen Johnson, Montez Alphonse, Tonya
(Ray) Dailey, Tanzie (Phillip) Shoots, Tia Alphonse, and Candise Jones, 14 great-grandchildren,
1 great-great grandchild, a devoted friend Mellerene McDonald, and a host of other relatives and
friends.
Known for her sweet spirit and her tender heart, Leanna will be deeply missed and forever in our
hearts.