Alice Crockford

Alice Jane Crockford (nee MacPherson), age 96, of Ocean City, New Jersey passed away peacefully at home on October 5, 2025 in the arms of her beloved husband of 75 years, William P. “Bill” Cockford, Jr. They made Ocean City their home throughout those years, making lasting friendships, riding their bikes on the boardwalk, harvesting fresh vegetables from the garden next to their house (aka “the corn house”), sharing the bounty with others, and volunteering for many civic organizations. In 1994, they received the “Golden Deeds Award” from the Exchange Club of Ocean City.

Alice is survived by her devoted spouse, Bill, daughters Kathleen and Karen, sisters Margaret “Peg” Lippincott and Mary “Jean” MacPherson, grandchildren Christy Zuzelo (MomarFall), Brian Ackley (Lisa Farjam), Maylee Crockford, William D. Crockford, and great-grandchildren Simon, Isabella, Idy, Alice Rose, Dune, and Beau, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Allison and Frances (Kercher) MacPherson, parents-in-law, William P. Sr. and Evelyn Crockford, brother, Robert A. MacPherson, son-in-law, James H. Patterson, and daughter-in-law, Therese A. “Terry” McIntyre.

Alice taught in the Ocean City School District at the Central Avenue School and the Intermediate School for over 30 years until 1987. Her students remember her as caring, creative, fair, and inspiring. Many name her as one of their favorite teachers. She was known for accepting each student as unique and gifted in their own way, focusing on bringing out the best in them and instilling a desire to keep learning. In retirement she travelled through the United States and Europe, often by bicycle, with Bill and dear friends.

Alice was also an active member of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School, serving on various boards and committees, participating in women’s fellowship groups, and revitalizing the Mission Committee in the 1990s.

A Service of Memory and Love is being planned and will be posted when finalized. Memorial contributions are suggested to either the Asbury Endowment Fund c/o St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 501 East 8th Street, Ocean City, NJ 08226 or the United Methodist Communities Foundation (note The Shores) 2201 Bay Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226.