Aletha Ann Samples Wofford

Alethea Ann Samples Wofford Alethea Ann Wofford passed away suddenly on July 17, 2026, at the age of 65. She was born on January 15, 1961, in Fort Payne, Alabama. Alethea was a graduate of Sylvania High School, Class of 1979. She was the first in her family to attend college, graduating from The University of Alabama in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. She built a successful career as a marketing director, beginning at a movie production company in Birmingham, Alabama. She later worked as a marketing director at Oval Strapping in Fort Payne, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Chattanooga, and Polymer Industries in Henagar, where she retired in 2025. She was known for her outgoing personality, strong work ethic, and ability to make friends wherever she went. She genuinely loved people and had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed and valued. Alethea leaves behind her loving daughter, Ashley Wofford; her stepdaughter, Alison Whittaker (Greg); her cherished grandchildren, Kaleigh and J.T. Whittaker; her brother, Daryl Samples (Linda) of Rainsville, Alabama; her nephew, Eric Samples and family; her niece, Tara Samples and family; and countless extended family members and dear friends whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rick Hedrick; Ashley’s father and first husband Lloyd Wofford Jr; her parents, E.C. Samples and Annie Lee Samples; and other loved ones who welcomed her home. Alethea was full of life and lived each day to the fullest. She loved fiercely, laughed often, and was never afraid to speak her mind. She never backed down from a hard battle and faced life’s greatest challenges with remarkable strength, determination, and courage. If she loved you, you never had to question it. She had a generous heart, always putting others before herself and offering encouragement, support, and kindness whenever it was needed. She found great joy on her family farm caring for her cows and her beloved English bulldog Pearl, spending time with those she loved, and making memories that will be treasured forever. She loved traveling, gardening, and simply enjoying life with family and friends. Alethea was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide fan and a proud member of The University of Alabama Alumni Association. Whether cheering on the Tide or celebrating with fellow alumni, her love for her alma mater remained a lifelong passion. Above all else, her greatest joy was being a mother. Ashley was the center of her world, and she was her biggest cheerleader, fiercest protector, and best friend. Christian faith was the foundation of Alethea’s life. Even in her passing, Alethea continued to serve others through the gift of organ donation, fulfilling one of her greatest wishes to help those in need. Her compassion and generosity will continue to impact lives for years to come. A longtime, active member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Fort Payne, she served in leadership of the Women in the Church and recently was a group leader for some of the youngest of her church family during Kidz Camp 2026. She truly had a special gift for loving people unconditionally and making everyone feel like family. As we celebrate Alethea’s life, remember to love deeply, live fully, never back down from life’s hard battles, and never miss an opportunity to show kindness to someone else. Her beautiful spirit, unwavering strength, and unconditional love will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. The family will receive friends for visitation at Rainsville Funeral Home (498 McCurdy Ave. N, Rainsville, AL 35986) on Wednesday, July 22, from 5:00 until 7:00 and on Thursday, July 23, from 12:00 until the time of the 2:00 service.

Aletha Ann Samples Wofford

January 15, 1961 - July 17, 2026