Barbara Carolina May Alderson

Barbara May Alderson lived a life defined by energy, curiosity, and an irrepressible love of adventure. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, to William Aldrich May and Anna Sjogren May, Barbara approached every chapter of her 103 remarkable years with enthusiasm, courage, and a determination to see what more life had to offer.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harold Alderson; her brothers, Oliver Ezekiel May and William Aldrich May; a niece; two great-nephews; and a great-great-nephew.

Barbara is survived by her stepson, Philip C. Alderson, and his wife, Elyse Alderson, of Roswell, Georgia; her grandson, Jeff P. Alderson, and his wife, Kaylan Alderson, and their daughters, Ellie and Sophie Alderson, of Charlotte, North Carolina; and her granddaughter, Kristin Blonsky, and her son, Harrison Blonsky, of Miami, Florida.

She is also survived by her sister, Wilana Kemp Madden of Richmond, Virginia; her dear and lifelong friends, Jan and Ed Mauney of Chester, South Carolina; four nieces—Barbara Ann Kemp McCahill, Susie Kemp Kump, Ginny Kemp Hardman, and Kathy May Gallant; four nephews; eight great-nephews; four great-nieces; nine great-great-nephews; and seventeen great-great-nieces.

A proud veteran, Barbara served as an Ensign in the United States Navy and was, famously, never officially discharged—making her the oldest living Ensign in the Navy. Her service was honored at her 100th birthday celebration in Chester, South Carolina, when she was presented with the Quilt of Valor on November 11, 2022.

Athletic from a young age, Barbara never lost her competitive edge. After retiring from the Navy, Harold introduced her to the game of golf—a challenge she embraced wholeheartedly. A quick study, Barbara played passionately well into her 90s, retiring only after a tumble in a sand trap made it difficult to return to the course. During her golfing years, she proudly recorded eight holes-in-one. Her love of sport extended beyond golf; she bowled, gardened, and competed in the South Carolina Senior Games, where she earned multiple gold medals for her dominant performance in golf.

Barbara’s appetite for life went far beyond the fairways. An avid animal lover, she was rarely without a dog or two—and often a few cats as well. And true to her adventurous nature, Barbara celebrated both her 90th and 92nd birthdays by parachuting out of an airplane—an experience she thoroughly loved.

Barbara’s life was a testament to embracing every opportunity, meeting every challenge, and never backing down from a new adventure. She will be remembered for her vitality, courage, humor, and the joy she found in living fully.

A graveside military service will be held at Pleasant Grove Church in Chester, South Carolina, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite veterans’ organization or animal rescue mission, honoring Barbara’s lifelong passions.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.barronfuneralhome.com.