Obituary of Naomi Alston

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Naomi Alston was born in Sanford, Florida on November 12, 1949. She was the third eldest of six children born to the union of late and Robert and Savannah (Presha) Gilchrist. She began her education in the Sanford County Public Schools. Naomi, affectionately called Nae, and her family migrated to Rochester, New York when she was approximately nine years old. She continued her education in Rochester City Schools.

Although Naomi worked a variety of jobs, including Stecher Lithographic Company and Amiel’s Sub Shop, she ultimately retired as a bus driver from Golden Arrow Bus Company.

Naomi married the love of her life, Richard Alston, on September 23, 1967. They were blessed with two sons, Kenneth ‘Kenny’ and Richard ’Li’l Richard’ K. Alston. As a young woman, Nae dedicated her life to the Lord and joined Christian Community Church, under the leadership of the late Bishop Lewis Stewart. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Temple of God. Naomi and Richard celebrated 50 years of marriage in September 2017.

Naomi was very welcoming to everyone that she met. She believed that “her house was your house”. She loved to cook and share recipes with her family. Every Sunday, Nae made a full course, home cooked meal. Her specialty was baking sweet potato pies. People didn’t have to wonder how Naomi felt about something, because she wasn’t afraid to express herself. Even as her health began to fail, Nae was able to say a lot, without saying a word. Her family and friends understood messages through her eyes and facial expressions.

After an extended illness, Naomi peacefully transitioned on April 4, 2023. She was predeceased by her loving parents and brother, Roy Lee Gilchrist. She was also predeceased by brothers-in-law: Robert McFadden and Henry Johnson.

Naomi’s life and legacy will forever be cherished by her devoted husband, Richard Alston; sons: Kenneth ‘Kenny’ L. Alston and Richard K. (Sharon) Alston both of Rochester, NY; Kenneth’s children: Kenneth ‘Li’l Kenny’ Alston, Azari Harris, Brittany Murray, Larnice Howell, Kenny ‘Tuda’ Alston all of Rochester, NY; Richard’s children: Richard ‘Booder’ Alston, Keya Couser, Marshella Moses, Brianne K. Alston, Aaliyah ‘LeLe’ Alston, and Sunday Hunter all of Rochester, NY; Kenneth’s six grandchildren and Richard’s seven grandchildren whom all reside in Rochester, NY. Nae will also be sorely missed by her beloved sisters: Rev. Vira Dean McFadden, Rev. Robbie Mae Evans, Linda Johnson and Sherlay Gilchrist all of Rochester, NY, sisters-in-law: Juanita Powell of Rochester, NY, Vivian (Willie) Wilson Sr. of Columbia, SC and Ethel Alston of Fort Washington, MD; brothers-in law, Willie James Alston Sr. of Rochester, NY, William Jay Alston of Andrews, SC; her goddaughter, Natasha ‘Tot’ Russell; step-daughters Denise McIntosh-Smith and Juliette Triplett both of Rochester, NY; a host of nieces, nephews, church family and dear friends