Chesapeake - James Clifton Alston departed this life Wednesday, December12, 2007. Born in Warrenton County, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Henry and Lydia Alston.



He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Lovely Hill Baptist Church in Warrenton, North Carolina. Upon moving to Norfolk in later years, he continued his Christian journey and was ordained a deacon at the Monticello Baptist Church. He was active with his wife, Rev. Margaret Barnhill Alston in different local churches including, Valiant Crown Baptist Church, Chesapeake.



He was employed for 39 years at Cargill Grain Company retiring in 2002, and then with Perdue Farms retiring in 2007. A member of the Board of Trustees for HRS/ILA Welfare and Pension Fund, he was the first President of ILA Local 1963, where he served as President before retiring in 2007.



He leaves to mourn, his beloved wife of 46 years, Reverend Margaret Barnhill Alston of Chesapeake; a stepson, Wayne Jackson of Portsmouth; two stepdaughters, Rowanda J. Smith of Huntsville, Alabama and Eileen J. Todd of Columbus, GA; two brothers, Willie Alston, Richmond, VA, Archie Lee Alston (Mary) of Littleton, N.C.; six sisters, Nancy Giles (Bernard) of Portsmouth, Malinda A. Seller (Coston) of Brooklyn, NY, Nettie A. Cox of Norfolk, Louise A. Crawford (Clarence) of Richmond, Ernestine A. Denning of Raleigh, N.C., and Vernice Alston of Richmond; six step-grandchildren, ten step-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His brother, Roger Alston and sister, Marie Taylor preceded him in death.



A home going celebration will be held 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Bethany Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held 2pm - 7pm Monday at {Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake, where the family will receive friends from 6pm - 7pm.