Ms. Janice Raiford, daughter of Mrs. Lessie Perry Raiford, and Dr. Maya Berryhill Porter, her granddaughter, are proud to announce the creation of the 2026 Mrs. Lessie Perry Raiford Memorial Stipend, supporting African American widows through Widow’s Journey Reach One Teach One, Inc.

This annual stipend honors the lasting legacy of Lessie Perry Raiford (1926–2024), who was born and raised in South Carolina. Lessie exemplified profound resilience, spiritual grounding, and the importance of family and community while navigating the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Alexander Raiford, who was also from South Carolina.

Lessie and Alexander migrated to New York nine years before his sudden death at the age of 39, while the family was living in Hempstead, Long Island. Lessie was also just 39 years old and would ultimately spend 58 years in widowhood.

Following Alexander’s death, Lessie raised their three children, Janice, Henry, and Kathy, who ranged in age from 9 to 16. She quickly transitioned from being a stay-at-home mother to becoming the family’s sole parent, homeowner, and decision-maker, while also developing the skills necessary to earn an income and provide for her family.

Alexander was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps who served during World War II. His military service provided survivor benefits for Lessie and their dependent children following his death.
Lessie had a deep faith and spread light wherever she went. She sought comfort and strength from God, her family, and a strong social network. She is remembered for her generosity of spirit, wealth of knowledge, “can-do” attitude, indomitable energy, and the tremendous love and sacrifices she made for her family.

She was beautiful inside and out, with a magnetic smile, long white hair, and a kind heart.

Through the Mrs. Lessie Perry Raiford Memorial Stipend, her family hopes to extend that legacy of strength and support to another woman experiencing widowhood.

The annual stipend will provide emergency financial assistance to an African American widow participating in Widow’s Journey Reach One Teach One, Inc., offering support as she navigates her own new journey.

In this way, Lessie’s legacy continues—not only through the family she loved and cared for, but through the widows who will be helped in her name.

Honoring a Legacy of Strength:
The 2026 Mrs. Lessie Perry Raiford Memorial Stipend