Worth Alley Jr

Worth Wosham Alley, Jr., a gentle and kind man known for his warmth, gratitude, and independent spirit, passed away suddenly at Chippenham Hospital while receiving rehabilitation services at South Hampton Rehabilitation Center. He was 62 years old.

Born on July 6, 1963, in Mooresville, North Carolina, Worth lived a life grounded in faith, connection, and community. A devoted member of Bon Air Baptist Church, his spirituality was central to who he was, and he was rarely without his Bible nearby.

Worth was deeply appreciative of those around him and was known for saying “thank you” for every act of support. He loved living independently in his own apartment and took pride in navigating life on his own terms. A strong self-advocate and peer advocate, Worth encouraged others to find their voice as well.

He proudly participated in the Special Olympics for many years as a member of the Incredibles basketball team, traveling and competing in local and state championship games. Music brought him great joy, especially Michael Jackson, and he was always found on the dance floor or holding a microphone at karaoke.

Worth worked for several years with Goodwill Industries, The Arc of Virginia, and Richmond Residential Services, and later attended day support services at Future Alliance.

Worth began receiving residential support services with Richmond Residential Services in 2004 and remained a valued member of that community until his passing. He shared many years of friendship and home life with peers and staff, most recently with his Wellsmith family. He is lovingly remembered by his peers at Wellsmith: Christopher, Thomas, Gladys, Cassie, Charlie, Akia, Franklin, and Deon.

Worth is also survived by his devoted staff, led by Richard Levy and Irene O’Grady, along with his current Wellsmith team members: Diane, Veronica, Iwobi, Morah, June, Lloyd, Abraham, and Leketia. He is additionally remembered with great affection by the many past team members, (Valease, Rodney, & Curtis) who supported him throughout his years with Richmond Residential Services and helped shape a life filled with dignity, independence, and belonging.

Worth was preceded in death by his parents, Worth Wosham Alley, Sr., and Glora Grace Adams Alley Helmes, as well as his special friends Roger Staten and Lloyd Smith, and his beloved best friend Woody.

He is survived by his siblings: brother Tony D. Alley (Polly), brother Terry L. Adams, brother James H. Alley, brother Christopher L. Helmes, and sister Sandra F. Helmes Sacre Caton Mehring. He is also lovingly remembered by his devoted aunt and uncle, Reverend Gene and Margaret Smith, who never missed a birthday or holiday and delighted Worth with phone calls and one of his favorite surprises, affectionately known as “some change.”

A proud member of the Four Seasons self-advocacy group, Worth served as his own guardian and lived fully and authentically, always his way.

Worth will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
Services

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM at the Chapel at Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull Street, Richmond, Virginia. Interment will follow on February 7, 2026, at the Chapel at the Mausoleum, 4000 Pilots Lane, Richmond, Virginia. Fellowship and light refreshments will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the Makers Room, 5000 Libbie Mill East Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia.