Marcia Alford

Marcia Eileen Hicks Alford, 75, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

Marcia was born March 26, 1950, to the late Harvey Irven and Louise Allen Hicks. She was a force of love, wisdom, and purpose-a woman who made everyone feel like the most important person in the room.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, E. Jeffrey "Jeff" Alford, Jr.; son, E. Jeffrey "Jeff" Alford, III (Courtney); brothers, Harvey Irven Hicks and David Hicks; three grandchildren, Lillian, Hudson and Emsley; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Tommy Hicks and Cary Hicks.

Marcia grew up in Garner, North Carolina, and fell in love with a boy from rival Cary High School. She and Jeff married young and built a life marked by deep devotion, quiet strength, and shared dreams. They were partners in every sense of the word, and their bond remained unshakable until the day she passed.

After high school, Marcia and Jeff began working at Kentwood Daycare in Raleigh, where, for over 15 years, she poured her heart into caring for, loving, and teaching the children who attended. She had a gift for making children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn-traits that would define every chapter of her career. Her love extended to her colleagues, too; under her leadership, Kentwood wasn't just a workplace-it was a community.

Marcia's drive to understand and nurture others led her to pursue a degree in Psychology at NC State University, followed by a teaching certificate through a joint program with NC State and Meredith College. She didn't stop there. She went on to earn her Master's in Education from Meredith and, eventually, her Doctor of Educational Administration (Ed.D.) from NC State-a journey powered by insatiable curiosity and an unwavering work ethic.

While continuing her education, Marcia was hired as an administrator at A.B. Combs Elementary School in Raleigh, where she created a program that would reshape how schools support families: before- and after-school care programs. Her pilot initiatives became a model for the entire district. After two years, she joined the Central Office at Wake County Public Schools, eventually rising to the role of Senior Director. Her leadership shaped programs that served thousands of children across the county.

But it was at Lacy Elementary-where she was sent to serve as principal and help the school find its footing-that Marcia truly found her home. What began as an assignment became a 12-year labor of love. From 1999 until her retirement in 2011, she led Lacy with brilliance and compassion. She knew every student's name. She taught graduate-level education courses at NC State while running the school by day. She pushed others to be better simply by being who she was: devoted, determined, and deeply kind.

Marcia inspired. She lifted everyone around her with praise, gentle correction, humor, and boundless heart. Her impact rippled far beyond the schools where she worked. She was a mentor, a guide, a caretaker, and a cheerleader-for students, teachers, colleagues, friends, and family. Like her own mother before her, Marcia was both a brilliant mind and a tender soul. Her family was her foundation and top priority, but her love knew no boundaries.

Marcia leaves behind a legacy not just of accomplishments, but of people-better, stronger, more loved because of her.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 11:00 am at Christ Church, 120 E Edenton Street Raleigh, NC 27601. Memorial contributions in honor of Marcia can be made to Transitions LifeCare at transitionslifecare.org/donate/

Condolences to the family may be made at bryan-leefuneralhome.com