Obituary of Alberta Loftin

Alberta Elizabeth Loftin, was born on December 26, 1922, in Newark, New Jersey.  She was one of five children and the only daughter born to the late John and Naomi Freeman Simpson.  Alberta’s first marriage was to the late Wallace Cross and they had three children, the late Carol & John Cross and her lovely eldest, Martha Jean Lockhart. Alberta’s second   marriage was to her late husband, Edward B. Loftin Sr., they were inseparable and from their union, five children were born: Jan, June, Edward Jr., Larry Shakir and Mustafa. 

Alberta, was educated in the Maplewood, Vauxhall and East Orange, New Jersey school systems.  Alberta was self-employed her entire life.  At an early age, she learned how to create multiple forms of income simply doing what she loved.  Alberta specialized in providing independent catering & cleaning services to residential and commercial clients.  She hosted large scale events for various special occasions and clients, including Ford Motor Company and The United States Post Office staff events.  When Alberta was not planning or prepping for her next personal or professional special event, she enjoyed traveling with her family and cooking her delicious “Bert’s Desserts” where ever she went, especially her renowned and beloved Peach Cobbler.  Every special occasion, meal and event Alberta planned, was prepared with love and the wonderful memories she created will always be food to our souls.

Alberta was known by her friends & family as Bert.  Alberta was everyone’s favorite Aunt and Nana, whether you were a relative or not. Alberta loved her family and immensely enjoyed hosting family gatherings.  Her warm, inviting smile would always make you feel welcomed. She exemplified a woman of refined dignity, fashionable style and the upmost highest grace. From the elegance of her hair, makeup and nails, she was truly a classy lady.

Alberta was a faithful member of Alpha Chapter #288, Order of the Eastern Star, located in East Orange, New Jersey. Together, with her husband Edward Sr., she was dedicated to her community and actively involved in the South 7^th Street Block Association. For the past sixteen years of her life, she was affectionately cared for by her devoted and loving daughter June and son-in-law Dean.

She was predeceased by her daughter Carol, son John Cross, daughter-in-law Mildred Cross, son-in-law Ronald Walden, granddaughter Tracey, grandson Michael, her five brothers, John, Samuel, Harold, William and Warren Simpson, one sister-in-law, Jean Simpson.

Alberta leaves to celebrate her home going: six children, Martha Jean Lockhart, Jan Walden, June McCargo, Edward, Larry and Mustafa Loftin. Three daughter-in-law’s, Letitia Dixon Loftin, Roberta Loftin, and Renee Shakir, two son-in-law’s, Dean McCargo, Allen Lockhart and Guy McCombs. Twenty-three grand-children, Theresa and Tracy (Spouse), Angela and Matthew (Spouse), David, Keith, Allen, Veronica, Nadine, Maurice, Natasha, Johnita, Hinton, Sharod, Jovan, Cheron, Janald, Nyjah, Alexis, Saabira, Tyson, Tashauna, Ma’isah and Youssef (Spouse), Ruqyah and Abayomi (Spouse) and Jabreel.  Twenty-four great grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren and three sister-in-law’s, Ella, Brenda and Rachel Simpson, and a host of many other beloved relatives and friends.