Lois Helen Asher Carnes Alford of Pineville, Kentucky, peacefully departed this world on February 27, 2024, surrounded by the loving presence of her family.

Lois entered this world on June 23rd, 1941, in Red Bird, Kentucky, to the late Eldon Asher and Helen Brock Asher. She embarked on her educational journey, earning her diploma from Bell County High School, and later obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, with a focus on Language Arts, from Cumberland College. Her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds led her to pursue further academic endeavors, culminating in the attainment of a Master of Arts from Union College, where she specialized in Language Arts. Lois taught in the Bell County School System for 25 years and found immense joy in her role as an educator, cherishing every moment spent guiding and inspiring the children she worked with.

Lois was a devoted Christian and a long-standing member of the First Baptist Church of Pineville where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years.

She was a member of the Bell County/Pineville Retired Teachers Association, the Kentucky Education Association, and the National Education Association. She was a Teacher of the Year award recipient, and a 4-H Club Member and Leader. She was also a Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Director and served on various committees throughout the years.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Eldon Asher, and Helen Brock Asher; the love of her life Carl Carnes of 44 years, and John Alford of 3+ years.

She is survived by her loving daughters Helena Woods (Gary) and Elizabeth Gilley (Ron); grandchildren Reagan Gilley (Whitney), Victoria Slusher (Robby), Katherine Woods (MJ), and Sarah Woods; great-grandchildren Adalyn and Levi Slusher; siblings Eldon Asher Jr. (Margie), Jeanie Stewart (Lee), Tommy Asher (Kithy), Irene Goodin, Amelia (Midge) Asher, and Norma Saylor. She leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews, and many special friends.

The commemorative services will be conducted at the First Baptist Church of Pineville. Visitation hours are scheduled for Friday, March 1st, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The memorial ceremony, with the Reverend Paul Anglin residing, will commence at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 2nd. Following the service, the interment will promptly take place at Green Hills Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging (SBCoA) where Lois received care. https://medicine.uky.edu/centers/sbcoa/philanthropy-council

Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Pineville is honored to serve the Alford Family.  Light a candle of remembrance and sign the guest register at www.arnettsteele.com.