Mary Alyce Mize

Mary Alyce Archibald Mize, age 87, died on September 13, 2020 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 19th at 10:30 a.m. at Memory Hill Gardens in Tuscaloosa with Dr. Clinton Hubbard officiating, and Memory Chapel Funeral Home, A Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Donald Gene Mize; her parents Rev. Robert Lambuth Archibald, Sr. and Alyce Hillman Archibald; brother, Rev. Robert Lambuth Archibald, Jr.; sister in law, Mary Holland Archibald and brother in law Colonel Jack Charles Dixon.

Survivors include her son, Chad Mize (Carolyn) of Vestavia Hills, AL, daughters, Alyce Hartley (Steve) of Hoover, AL and Mary Lou Tucker (Brian) of Tuscaloosa; grandchildren, Mary Katherine Mize, Elizabeth Mize, Caitlin Harper (Garrett), Jay Hartley (Julia), Sarah Alyce Williams (Charlie), Virginia Hartley, Will Tucker, and Mary Ruth Tucker; three great grandsons; and her cousin, Sue Angel of Northport, AL.

Mary Alyce was born on October 4, 1932 in Birmingham, AL to Lambuth and Alyce Archibald. As a Methodist minister’s daughter, she lived throughout the Birmingham and North Alabama area. She attended Huntsville High School and graduated from Woodlawn High School, attended Birmingham-Southern College before transferring to The University of Alabama to earn her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She and Don married and remained in the Tuscaloosa area the rest of their lives. She later earned her Master of Arts Degree and Doctorate in Elementary Education from The University of Alabama.

Mary Alyce was a dedicated educator and gifted teacher of all ages from cub scouts, kindergarten and first grade to collegians. She taught as a Professor of Education for over 25 years at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS, impacting hundreds of future teachers. She held leadership positions from local PTA to national educational organizations. After her retirement as a Professor Emeritus she remained active, attending continuing education classes and volunteering as a mentor and reading instructor at area schools. She was a world-class grandmother and time at “Gunga’s” house was always a great experience for all the grandchildren.

Mary Alyce touched many lives through her kindness and service to others in various civic organizations and particularly within the United Methodist Church as youth director, children’s choir director, choir member, Sunday School teacher, Disciple Leader, UMW leader, and many other roles. She has positively impacted many adults as she led Sunday School classes for over 50 years and planned for each lesson as she would a collegiate level class. Her table for Sunday lunch was open to all, always with room for one more.

The family is most thankful and forever grateful for the loving care she received from the staff of Traditions Way at Capstone Village and Dr. Veranda Melton. The family would like to recognize the unwavering faithfulness, kindness and prayer of the card care teams at Northport First United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church, Tuscaloosa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Northport First United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church Tuscaloosa or the charity of one’s choice.