Rev. Jay T. Alford

Youngstown- Funeral services will be held at 12 pm Saturday at Highway Tabernacle Church for the Rev. Jay Alford who died Tuesday morning at his residence. Rev. Alford was born December 12, 1932 in Tiptonville, TN. the son of Arthur and Bessie Alford. Rev. Alford came to the Youngstown area in 1973. Rev Alford attended from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. His Ministerial history includes; Evangelistic ministry 1952-56, Pastor of First Assembly of God in Madison, TN., Pastor of First Assembly of God in Springfield, IL., Pastor of Highway Tabernacle in Youngstown 1973-2002, President of Hope for Youngstown 2002-present. His Denominational positions include; Member of Tennessee District Assemblies of God Presbytery, member of Executive Board of the Tennessee District assemblies of God, Assistant Superintendent of the Tennessee District Assemblies of God, member of Assemblies of God General Presbytery, member of the Illinois District Assemblies of God Presbytery, member of the Ohio District Assembly of God Presbytery, member of Executive Presbytery of the Ohio District Assemblies of God and chairman and member of various national and state committees. Rev. Alford's involvement in the greater Youngstown area over the last 35 years include; Pastor of Highway Tabernacle Church for 28 years, Founder of Youngstown Christian School in 1975 in the former Bancroft School building, Sponsorship or co-sponsorship of the opening of 18 new churches in the greater Youngstown area. These include Lakeview Assembly of God in Lake Milton, New Life Assembly in Poland, Metro Assembly in Youngstown, High Pointe Assembly in Struthers, Cornerstone Assembly in North Lima, Christian Life Center in Canfield, New beginning Assembly in Youngstown and several in Trumbull county. He was president of Jubilee Urban Renewal Corporation which with other housing developers, have built over $66, 000.000.00 worth of housing in Youngstown for low to moderate-income families, President of the board for Grace Place Medical Services in Oakhill Renaissance Place to serve the inner-city community, member of the board of Warrior's Inc, which owns the Hope Building for not-for-profits and a small business incubator, board member of Eagle Christian Pre-School on the South Side, Vice-President of Jubilee Christian Community Development Corporation which rehabs homes in the city. Rev. Alford was one of the founders of Heart Reach Ministries which serves several hundred children and young people each week in Youngstown, one of the original founders of Eagle Heights Academy located in the former South High School with nearly 1000 students, producer and speaker on radio programs Christ is the Answer and Five Golden Minutes and television programs, Christ is the Answer, Five Golden Minutes to Live By and Sounds of Praise. Rev. Alford is President of Hope for Youngstown, Inc. which is the developer of new for-sale homes in Youngstown is involved in several political and civic works in the city and served as a missionary to the inner city of Youngstown. Rev. Alford is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Shirley C. (Hurt) whom he married June 26, 1952, children; Justin Alford of Cedar Rapids, IA., Jason (Diana) Alford of Youngstown, Jayetta (Jim) Brookhart of Canfield and Janna Alford of St. Louis, MO. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, sisters; Juanita Siesky of Baton Rouge, LA. and Gloria Corrente of Denver, CO. he was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Opal Schillecci and brothers; Al, Lewis, Rainey and Jackie Alford. Family and friends may call from 11am-2pm and from 5pm-8pm Friday at the Highway Tabernacle Church and from 10 am-11:30 am Saturday at the church prior to services. The family requests memorial contributions take the form of donations to Youngstown Christian School, Wychwood Lane. Lane Funeral Homes Austintown Chapel is assisting the Alford family with arrangements.