Alberta Baylor

Alberta E. Baylor, devoted Christian, cherished wife, loving mother, committed educator and mentor, steadfast friend and long-time resident of Bessemer, Alabama was transitioned to her eternal reward on Saturday, November 21, 2007. "Bert", as she was affectionally called by her siblings, brother- and sister-in-laws and friends, was the only child of Alice M. Plump and the eldest child born to Albert Shade, Sr. on March 2, 1936 in Boligee, Alabama. She later moved to Mobile, Alabama where she faithfully served at Truevine Missionary Baptist Church. She received her early education in Mobile, Alabama. It was there where she exemplified a prodigious talent for the English language and literature. She later enrolled in Alabama State University and received a Bachelor Science degree in Social Studies and English. While at Alabama State University she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alberta went on to earn a Masters of Arts, Special Education (University of Alabama) and her AA Certification in Supervision (University of Alabama at Birmingham). A staunch supporter of education, not only in word but also deed, Alberta completed all coursework with the exception of her dissertation towards earning a Doctorate in Education. Alberta's State of Alabama Certifications include Alberta married Donald E. Baylor on December 5, 1959. To this union three children were born, Kimberly, Donald, Jr. and Darryl. Her professional career as an educator began in 1960 with the Mobile County School system. She later transferred to Birmingham City Schools, where she taught Social Studies, English and Mathematics. Ever the proponent for individual with disabilities, Alberta taught and later served as Director of Special Education for Bessemer City Schools for more than thirty (30) years. After retiring in 2000, she continued to work with the homeless students of the school district. Her professional affiliations included but, were not limited to: NEA, AEA, EAB, Phi Delta Kappa, Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Administrators of Special Education ((President, 1980-81), UAB Advisory Board. God reigned first and foremost in Alberta's life and she constantly credited Him with giving her the ability, wisdom and strength to serve and guide the many lives that she touched including those of her husband, mother, children, siblings, a host of other relatives, co-workers, fellow layworkers of the faith and friends. Shortly after moving to Bessemer, Alabama, she became an active member of the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church where she served as Sunday School Teacher, member of the matrons' Society, Director of the Youth Evangelical Committee and member of the Scholarship Committee. Everyone who knew her knew that she loved her pastor and her church! Alberta E. Baylor is survived by her husband of forty-nine years, eleven months, Donald E. Baylor, Sr.; her mother, Alice M. Clark; her children, Kimberly Baylor - Bivins, Donald Edward (Cathy) Baylor, II and Darryl Edgar (Cynthia) Baylor; her grandchildren, William, Winton, Donald Tre' III, Carson, Cadon, Micah, Darren D.J.' (Tiffany) , Gabrielle, Cindi, and Chrishonda; her great-grandchildren, Weston and Cody; her brothers, Rev. Albert (Bettie) Shade; Samuel (Donna) Shade, Dwight Shade and Ivan (Janice) Shade and, her sisters, Ida Shade, Minnie Howard and Rebecca Oliver; a host of niece and nephews including, Arthur (Denise) Baylor of Montgomery, AL, Kenneth (Jill) Carodine, Millicent (Samuel) Sims; Eric (Tracy) Baylor; Tara (Wayne) Miller.