Alkanha Estelle

On September 7, 1970 a beautiful baby girl was born to Linda Estelle and Elkanha Kelley. They named her Alkanha Lafond, who was welcomed and adored by her big sister Andreia LaTon.  She was loved by her Big Mommas, Ella D. Moore and Ethel Kelley. She was loved and spoiled by her aunts, Louise, Eloise, Ada Lee, Iva and Martha as well as her uncles, Ted, Ralph, Arlanders, Marvin and Arthur Lee, and step-brother Nolan all proceeded her in death. Alkanha became the stepdaughter to the late Henry E. Wiley in 1972 and was the apple of his eye. 

She joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, at an early age, under the Reverend Joe Campbell. She was baptized by Reverend William Gayle and sang in the Church and City-Wide Choirs.

Alkanha attended Hallsburg Elementary School and Riesel High School where she was active in the FHA and 4-H. A few of her most gratifying accomplishments were working with the Riesel High School newspaper, The Riesel Rustler, and serving as a photographer on the Yearbook Committee. Alkanha received numerous awards in 4-H and her high school activities. Later she attended Beauty School and became a licensed beautician. 

Alkanha met and married Robert Thompson and through this union, one son was born Joshua Donsha, whom she called her “Pumpkin” and loved dearly. For those who were hungry, she could cook anything and make it look delicious. Her green thumb grew many gardens, flowers and potted plants. This carried through with her newest creation of hair growth products. Her greatest supporter was Mrs. Ester Thomas. Mrs. Thomas played an integral part in her successes.  Her love never wavered. Alhanha loved Mrs. Thomas for her honesty and mentorship.

Alkanha joined the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Brill Stone Sr., to serve God and be with her family.

She transitioned on August 5, 2021, and will be missed by all that knew her.  

Those who stand in the afterglow of her life, still warmed by her memory is her devoted son: Joshua Donsha Thompson (Barbara); beloved mother, Linda Wiley; mentor, Esther Thomas; sisters, Andreia L. Foster-Joiner (Paxton) and Averie L. Wiley (Jeffrey), Kim Talton; brothers, Hendrix L., Hendley L., Bobby E., Benny R., Keith A., and Eric; uncles, Alfred Chambers, Larry Estelle, Darnell Estelle, Ben Hughes, and Kevin Estelle; special aunts, Debra Aldridge (Manuel) Ollie Holder, Mary Russell, Jessie Parker and Estella Murray and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.  

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