Alice Rose Harbison Hansford, 87, was a beautiful, prim and proper lady, devoted wife and mother who enjoyed volunteering, cooking, reading and traveling. She died Friday, June 7, 2019, at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News with her daughter by her side.
A native of Durham, North Carolina, she graduated from Durham Public Schools, then attended the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina, now known as the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. After school, she worked various positions for the U.S. government in North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C., retiring from Fort Eustis in Newport News.
She loved music, playing the piano and also the organ. She loved volunteering to play at nursing homes and hospitals in the community. She also led many Bible studies in homes teaching the love of Christ.
Mrs. Hansford was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Robert Hudson Hansford; and parents, J.P. and Irvie Frazier Harbison.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Timothy Marbrey; stepdaughters, Elsie Henley of Seaford and Lisa Miller of Quinton; two grandchildren, Jason Marbrey (Margeaux) and Carlie, and her husband, Luke, and their children, Hannah, Harper and Hadley; step-grandchildren, William, Martha, Christopher, Elisabeth and Makensie; and seven step-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 12, at Zion United Methodist Church, Seaford. Burial will follow services in Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service.
A special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Mary Immaculate Hospital for all the kindness, compassion and excellent care given to Mrs. Hansford.
Memorials may be made to The Gideons International, Peninsula North Gideon Group, P.O. Box 6373, Newport News, VA 23606; or Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201.
