Arlee Gilford was born March 13, 1929, in the Jamestown Community of Newton County to her loving parents Hermis Peacock and Zuela Peacock. She was the second eldest of eight siblings. Arlee would often tell stories of her happy childhood with her siblings.
Arlee received Christ at an early age and worked as a member of Iron Wheel Baptist Church throughout her youth. She attended public school in Jamestown and graduated from Jamestown High School where she was a member of the basketball team. While in Jamestown, Arlee met the love of her life, James Gilford. They married on September 11, 1948, and moved to Beaumont where they shared 64 years of beautiful memories. Once in Beaumont,  she studied  and became a licensed Cosmetologist at Crawford Beauty School.
Arlee's passion for cosmetology led her to open her own business.
She was self employed for over 40 years in a shop built by her loving husband, James. She met people from all walks of life. She was a member of the Triplex Cosmetologist Organization for many years. She loved to attend the cosmetology conventions for continued education and fun.
Sis Gilford was a devoted member of Scott Olive Missionary Baptist Church and served for many years in various  capacities including serving as a deaconess. She was involved in the Misson Society, Senior Choir, and Sunday School. Arlee loved the Lord and her church with all her heart and enjoyed singing His praises, both at church and in her home. Her trust in God was evident and she encouraged others to lean on the Lord as she did. She served faithfully until her health began to decline.
Arlee loved her family unconditionally, and being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother brought her great joy. She was always there for her family. She was a faithful wife, awesome mother, loving family member, trusted friend, excellent cook and seamstress, who loved to fish from Cow Creek.
We all have special memories of our time with her. She left her mark on all of our hearts and we will always cherish our time with her. She departed this life on April 18, 2024, and now resides with her Lord and Savoir.
Arlee was preceded in death by her parents, Hemis and Zuela Peacock; her husband James Gilford, and her siblings Pearlie Lewis, Ozie Peacock, Hermis Peacock, and Sherman Peacock; brother-in-law Woody Lewis, Robert Miles, Alexander Simmons, and Leroy Coleman.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sisters, Darlene Miles, Lillian Simmons, and Georgia Coleman; three sisters-in-law, Olivia Peacock, Genet Peacock, and Mamie Peacock Carter (Earl); her four children, Lillie Lloyd (Kenneth), Rev. James Gilford Jr. (Gwendolyn), Arwonder Chavis (Cyril), and Dewanah Allison (Terrence); 12 grandchildren, Jeremy Lloyd (Erin), James Gilford III, Markus Lloyd ( Lisa), Adele Glenn (Cleve), Kristolyn Lloyd, Christina Tunstall (Stanley), Rev. Cyril Chavis Jr. (Jenell), Wesley Chavis, Jessica Chavis, Dylan Allison, Ashley Allison, Alanah Allison; 11 great-grandchildren Katelyn Gilford, Markus Lloyd, Jr., Jacoby Lloyd, Berkeley Lloyd, Solomon Lloyd, Landon Glenn, Aria Chavis, Elise Chavis, Vivienne Glenn, Kyrie Chavis, Stanley Shanod Tunstall; nieces, nephews, family, and friends.