M. Joyce Alford, 73 of Fairbury passed away at 4:20 pm, Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at her daughter's residence in Fairbury with her family by her side.

Her funeral service will be at 2 pm, Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the First Baptist Church of Fairbury with Deacon Nick Nissen officiating. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm, Friday, March 20, 2009 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Joyce was born September 26, 1935 in Ford County the daughter of Sylvester and Mary Watkins Fosdick Sr. She married Willis Alford on November 22, 1962 in Fairbury. He passed away January 13, 2006.

Survivors include two daughters; Mary (Duane) Ifft and Darlene (Kenneth) Zapp both of Fairbury, one son; Mike (Denise) Bailey, Cullom, one brother; Junior (Beverly) Fosdick, rural Forrest, one sister; Esther Stone, Ottawa, nine grandchildren; Theresa (Wes) Goodwin, Sarah Ifft, Lindsey Ifft, Beth Ann Ifft, Jessica Ifft, Cody Zapp, Mariah Zapp, Kolton Zapp, Mitch (Kaitlin) Bailey and two great grandchildren; Emma Goodwin and Kaleb Bailey.

She was preceded in death by one daughter; Gloria Alford, one grandson; Joel Ifft, and one sister; Donna Gray.

Joyce was a member of First Baptist Church of Fairbury and Central States Threshmen's Reunion. Over the years Joyce was a Foster Mom to many children. In her spare time she loved to sew, garden and love her puppies, but above all she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to Dominy Memorial Library Building Fund or Relay for Life of Livingston County.