She was born in Waverly on November 30, 1926, the daughter of William Richards and Mary Ealy Richards. Alice married Lawrence W. Brown on July 7, 1948, at Waverly Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on June 24, 1958, as a result of an automobile accident. Their son, Lawrence G Brown, also preceded her in death on September 6, 1980.
Alice is survived by her daughter, Linda (Jerome “Jay”) Thompson; grandson, Robert (Lisa) Thompson; granddaughters, Melissa Thompson and Christina (Jason) Durbin; great-grandson, Wesley Thompson; great-granddaughter, Cali Durbin; special friends, Michael Kepler, Erica (Tom) Hiemstra, and Cassidy (Will) Flanagan; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was the last child of 13 born to William and Mary Richards. Alice was also preceded in death by her seven brothers, Floyd (Ella), Clarence (Harriet), George (Grace), Edward (Alice), Ralph (Sally Jo), Henry (Marjorie), and Paul (Elma Mae); and five sisters, Gladys (Jesse) Baker, Lucille Davis, Elizabeth (James) Miller, Marjorie (Charles) Herr, and Helen (Simon) Cory.
She attended numerous schools and graduated in 1945 from Waverly High School. She won oratory and music awards, as well as good citizenship (DAR) in both grade school and high school. She later attended Brown’s Business College and Lincoln Land Community College. Alice was previously employed at Franklin Life Insurance, Hummer Manufacturing, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sangamon Valley Farm Bureau, and Holt Machinery. She was also an active member of the First Christian Church. Music was one of her biggest passions, as she sang for the church choir and also sang solos for the congregation. In her free time, Alice was a volunteer for Red Cross, enjoyed dog sitting/walking, and travelling. She was described to be stubborn, hard-headed, and high maintenance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church.
Memorial Gathering and Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 700 S. 6th Street, Springfield, IL with Rev. Michael Riggs officiating.
Private family burial will be held at a later date.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St.
