Wilford Franklin Rochester

Wilford Franklin Rochester began life’s journey on July 19,1927, and departed this life at the age of 90, on July 14, 2018, at the Autumn Lake Nursing Home, Chestertown, Maryland. He was the son of the late Mifflin and Angeline Rochester and was one of 14 children. Wilford, also affectionately known as “Money”, was united in marriage to Doris Mae Brown on December 2, 1950. Three children, Rodney, Regina and Gregory, were born to this union. His early education began at the Country School in Sharptown (Rock Hall), Maryland. He later attended and graduated from Henry Highland Garnet School in Chestertown, Maryland. After graduation, he entered the military as a member of the U. S. Army, serving from October 3, 1945, to February 7, 1947. He carried out his duties during World War II and received an honorable discharge. Upon returning from the military, Wilford began working in the seafood industry fulfilling different capacities in Rock Hall, Maryland. He later worked at Campbell Soup and drove for U-Star until his retirement. Wilford joined Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Butlertown, Maryland, under the leadership of Reverend Chambers. He was a member of Mt. Olive for 60 years. Wilford was given the gift of music, which he used to serve as the pianist and organist for the church, as well as several choirs and groups in the community. He always made his way to Mt. Olive, even when his health was failing. Wilford was preceded in death by his parents, Mifflin and Angeline Rochester; his son, Rodney Rochester; granddaughter, Dentia Rochester; sisters, Hamiltine Garrett, Rachel James, Floretta Williamson and Baby Girl Rochester; brothers, Russell, Milburn, Wardell, Rudolph, and Sylvester Rochester. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Doris; two devoted children, Regina Rochester (Earl) and Gregory Rochester, Sr. (Amalia); grandchildren, Dwayne Hicks, Rhonda Pinkett, Nakima Rochester, Gregory Rochester, Jr. and Alexander Rochester; nine great-grandchildren, Eric, Samiya, Nakaya, Deonni, Ayanah, Jalen, Jeremiah, Jadye and Jadia; sisters, Jean Sisco, Arrie Lee Carter, Phyllis Sisco, and Annette Glover; nephew, Cornel Rochester who was raised with the family; sisters-in-law, Brenda Rochester, Ernestine Dixon, Dorothy Brown, Erlena Linthicum and Eleanor Brown; brothers-in-law, Earl Carter and Fred Linthicum, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends from the Mt. Olive Church Family and beyond. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wilford Franklin Rochester, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Wilford Franklin Rochester

July 19, 1927 - July 14, 2018