Delores McDaniel Alford (Diane), 71 transitioned from this life at her home in Winston-Salem unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.

Born on April 19, 1948 in Winston-Salem, NC to Calvin and Hattie McDaniel, Diane was especially a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Diane received a formal education in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools and was a graduate of Atkins High School.  She was a member of St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church.  Diane retired after 30 years as an operator from R.J Reynolds Tobacco Company.

Diane was a devoted confidant and surrogate momma to many and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and daughters whom she was very proud of.  Diane was always willing to help others and also enjoyed cooking, crocheting, and playing games on her iPad.

She was preceded in death by her parents Rev. Calvin and Hattie McDaniel, four sisters; Carolyn Lomax, Bessie Lyles, Mary Hariston, and Mary Alice Woodard, three brothers; Major Woodard, Jr, Nebraska Woodard, and Theodore Woodard.

Diane leaves to cherish her memories and continue her legacy, husband John L. Alford; two daughters, Nakida McDaniel (Niam) and Porchia Connor (Willie); five grandchildren, Nasir, Nigel, and Niah McDaniel-Moore, and Leon and Noel Conner; one brother, Calvin McDaniel, Jr., one sister; Geraldine Bitting; loving nieces and nephews, Natasha Bitting, Nicole Bitting, Yolanda Lopez, Camille Washington, Sherline Boston, Jackie Upshaw, Carmelita Woodard Hardy, Hattie Woodard, Loretta Plater, Tracey Harriston, Donnell McDaniel, Randy Boston, and Michael Tillman; devoted friend, Vanessa Royster; adopted daughters, Jennifer Wardlow and Cindy Davis; and  a host of great nieces, nephews, and those she's helped raise and mentor.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 am Thursday January 16, 2020 at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 11am-11:30am at the church.