January 17, 2007

OBITUARIES

Alma Clifford

Alma Jean (Sherman) Clifford, a former Vernay Labs employee, died Jan. 12 after a lengthy illness. She was 84.

Alma was born to George and Cora (Spriggs) Sherman on March 16, 1923, in the coal town of Seth, W.Va. At an early age her family moved to Floyd County, Ky.

Alma began her long and distinguished career at the beginning of World War II at the age of 17 when she left Kentucky to train with the National Youth Association in Prestonsburg, Ky. She learned the fine art of sewing and later trained in Ashland, Ky., in sheet metal work for Allen Airplane factory, Bridgeport, Conn.

During the war years, she was employed as a parachute rigger at what is now Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. She received numerous recognitions for her work as team leader/supervisor and received a set of silver wings from a grateful pilot. She spent many years employed in a variety of jobs, including 22 years at Vernay Laboratory.

Alma is survived by her children and their spouses, Sharon Travis and Russell Bell of Blue Creek, Ohio, Elaine and Gallord Jenkins, Lake Waynoka, Ohio, Gregory and Ann Clifford, Springfield and Robin and Chris Houck, Yellow Springs; her brother, Everett Lee Sherman, Norton, Va.; her grandchildren, Bertha and Gordon DeHart, Glenda and Robbie Barker, Gallord Jr. and Sherry Jenkins, Diane and Steve Lazaras, Jason and Louanda Jenkins, Joshua Dotson, David and Jimmy Fisher; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends, including life long friend Mary Keim of Washington State.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 14, at the Jackson Lytle Williams Funeral Home, Yellow Springs, with entombment in the Rose Hill Chapel. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton in Alma’s memory.