Mrs. Alean Loyd's Obituary
One glorious day, God, the creator, designed the perfect masterpiece to be placed on display in this world for HIS glory. On December 22, 1928, Jessie and Verna Brassfield welcomed this masterpiece, a little baby girl, to their family. She was the second child born to the couple to create a family that would consist of seven girls and one boy. Alean held a special place in her parents· hearts. She enjoyed helping Muh (Verna) in the kitchen and being a "big sister" to her brother and sisters. She also cherished walking with Papa (Jessie) to Tabernacle Methodist Church, where she found joy in singing hymns and learning about God. This love for music and thirst for spiritual knowledge would later become part of her legacy. On May 31, 2021, God gently took His masterpiece off display, and she transitioned to a place of complete rest. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bishop L. R. Loyd; her daughter, Sylvia Jean Loyd Martin; her brother, Arthur Brassfield; three sisters, Roxie Brassfield, Minnie Kent and Jessie Brassfield. Alean attended Harris Training School, where math was her favorite subject. She had no desire to "fit in" with everyone else, and her classmates perceived her as "different." However, it was her "uniqueness" that caught the eye of the curly-haired Leroy Loyd. Though she played "hard to get", he won her over, and they were married on March 5, 1949. They embarked on a lifetime journey that produced nine children, one boy and eight girls. They soon discovered that they shared a love and hunger for God, and that love and hunger led them to Free Gospel Temple in 1958. After Leroy received complete healing in one of the services, they repented of their sins, were baptized in Jesus' Name, and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This began a thirty-year ministry which led to them witnessing lives changed, transformed, healed, saved, and delivered by the power of God. Later, they would pastor three churches that included the Light of World Holiness Church, the Daleville Mission, and the Free Gospel Temple Church. Alean was an avid reader, teacher, and lifelong learner. Thus, she encouraged all her children to earn a high-school diploma and a college degree. A lean was also a gifted playwright, anointed singer, and choir director. Although she had no formal training, she rewrote the arrangement of several gospel songs that could be heard on the local radio stations in Meridian and other surrounding areas. In addition, she dedicated herself to teaching Sunday School classes, Bible studies, and various outreach ministries. She was also an organizer offundraisers, building projects, and Vacation Bible Schools. As a mother, she encouraged her children to always put God first in everything. She understood that they all possessed unique gifts. She modeled godliness and self-sacrifice and taught her children the importance of compassion and patience. She created a safe place for her children to develop and grow, and her home was also a second home for her grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. Alean took her job of motherhood seriously and often stated that "God blessed her with each one of her children." After Leroy's death in 1979, she collectively pastored the Free Gospel Temple along with Mother Maria Lewis. Honoring her husband's request to "keep the saints together", Alean used her vehicle to transport saints to and from church, teach bible studies in homes, and visit the sick and shut-in. It is during this time that Alean begins her transformation to "Mother" of the church. Mother Loyd, as she was affectionately called, was known as a Woman of the Word, a Prayer Warrior, and a Soul Winner. She quoted scriptures easily without a bible in her hand. Her advice always came with a powerful word. She prayed throughout the night and could often be found with her face in the carpet of her bedroom floor. She had a gift of discernment, and God used her to help many to receive their deliverance. In the late 1980s, Mother Loyd and Mother Lewis reachetl out to the United Pentecostal Church Organization for assistance. Mother Loyd loved the organization's fellowship, and she enjoyed attending different conferences, camp meetings, and anniversary services. From 2007-2009, Mother Loyd was featured on Meridian's local gospel station 2 days a week with Alexia Rushing. For 29 years, she could be seen two-three times a week at Anderson Fitness Center, exercising and spreading the gospel. She continued to spread the gospel tµrough teaching in local churches and conferences well into her eighties. Alean will forever be cherished in the hearts of children, one son, David Delane Loyd (Linda) of Meridian, MS, seven ·daughters, Mertis Dylean Davis, Jonesboro, LA, Verna McGrew, devoted daughter, Arvella M. Loyd, Edith Ann Homer (Carey) all of Meridian, MS, Vancheta Mitchell (Jerome) Pushmataha, AL, Tonda Henry (Dave) Atlanta, GA, Tiffany Hudnall (Reginald) of Meridian, MS. Three sisters: Vera Williams, Bernice Perry, and Varradell Brassfield all of Meridian, MS, a lovingly dedicated granddaughter, Alyece Loyd of Meridian, MS, a loving niece, Denice Goss of Memphis, TN, three sisters-in-laws, Grace Smith and Nellie Loyd of Meridian, MS and Sarah Brassfield ofWichova, VA, 21 grandchildren, 14 great-grands, and 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. The family acknowledges the love and support of Dave Gamer and the Gamer Family. The family also recognizes two faithful caregivers, Phyllis Alford and Annette Madison, a classmate and loyal friend, Nellie Grace Morgan all of Meridian, MS
What’s your fondest memory of Alean?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alean?
Share a story where Alean's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alean you’ll never forget.
How did Alean make you smile?