Alice was the only girl in the family with four brothers. She said she had to be tough to hand with them boys. All her brothers agree that she never backed down from any of them. All her life her brothers called her "Sister."
Alice received her formal education in the Wilmar Training School and graduated from Drew County High School. This was an accomplishment she shared with pride with her children.
Alice confessed her hope in Christ at St. James AME Church under the leadership of Rev. G.T. Blackman. She later moved her membership to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and came on Christian Experience and said it was because she "wanted to be with her children."
Alice was a loving mother and grandmother. Through Christ she was a provider for her family and instilled values in her family by raising her children to fear God, be respectful of other people, work to get what they wanted in life. She provided common sense with her "old sayings" she had. She made time for her children. She would sit for hours telling her children stories about her childhood. She had the gift to animate and recreate every story she would tell. Through the years she told these stories about her childhood over and over. She spent time preparing delicious meals for her family, always trying new recipes. She was a protector. She would often tell people "You may not know who all my children are….but if you hit one of them you will know who their momma is" followed by a laugh. She encouraged all her children and grandchildren to do their best. This is the legacy and memories she leaves.
Alice found love during her lifetime. She was married to Alex Thompson and later to Tyree Riley.
Alice's memory will be forever cherished by her six children: Frances Kay (Eddie) Hampton, Jerry (Monique) Thompson, Michael Thompson, Stacey (James) Lockett, Gerry (Sharon) Thompson, Anthony (Temia) Thompson; two brothers, James Lewis and Williams (Andrea) Lewis; nineteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one aunt, Mrs. Lorraine Jordan. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, two brothers, Tolliver and Frank Lewis and one grand-child, Willie E. York.
Condolences(6)
Tammi Nowlin
Monticello, AR Monday, February 17, 2014 Dearest Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May God wrap His loving arms around each of you and give you peace and comfort during this sorrowful time. I first met Mrs. Alice a long time ago at DHS and liked her spirit immediately. Anyone that had ever met her, knew that she loved her family very deeply. Heaven gained an angel . May God Bless each of you! TammiCornelia Anderson
Warren, AR Friday, February 14, 2014 May God bless you during this time of sorrow. Remember that God opens His heart and opens His arms. You are not alone...He is with you.Barbara Benton
Warren, AR Friday, February 14, 2014 Kaye, I am sorry to hear about the death of your mother. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.Barbara Benton
Sarah Allene Dunlap and Family
Los Angeles, CA Thursday, February 13, 2014 It is written, "Precious in the eyes of the Lord and the death of his Saints". Our prayers for you and your family is that God will keep you and comfort you during this time of loss. Much Love and God BlessJulion Tyler
Peekskill, NY Tuesday, February 11, 2014 Frances,I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. My sympathy goes out to you and the rest of your family. I'm glad that I have very fond memories to cherish in the years to come. Love you All!
Pinky
Artis Jones
Kansas City, KS Monday, February 10, 2014 I am very sorry and sad to hear about Alice.I will be praying for the family.
Artis