                                       To an Amazing Big Sister
Alice was born in troubled times. In 1937 the US was still mid depression and WWII was looming just a few years ahead. Alice began school and to say she was smart would be a gross understatement. Alice was never late or absent from a single day of school! That includes both grammar and high school! She also received straight A’s through 12 years! (Who does that?) She was a drum corps majorette and could twirl a baton like nobody’s business. 
The 1940’s gave way to the 1950’s along with Buddy Holley, Elvis Presley, saddle shoes and poodle skirts. Alice was a “bobby sox-er” full out. In 1952 at the age of 16 she was presented with a baby brother. She brought me everywhere, even on dates! Once she brought me on a ride with Bobby Maddox who had a convertible. Unfortunately I decided to climb out of the back seat and onto the trunk. That ended my promising career as a chaperone.
One day our father told her “If anything happens to us, you need to take care of your brother”.  And that is what she did for 68 years! During my teens, after any number of occasions when I’d done something stupid, I’d hear one of my favorite Alice quotes. “You get away with murder! If I did that our father would have my head…”
When I started this, I thought I would point out what an amazing role model Alice was for young women. But honestly, Alice was an amazing role model for everyone. She was the strongest person I knew. Throughout our lives we all face choices, between doing what is right and what is easy. Alice always did what was right. It is in this, her humility and humanity that we find her true superpower. Simple acts of love and kindness that remind us of our shared humanity. And perhaps here lies Alice’s legacy and challenge to all of us. That in the end we all make mistakes, we all screw up. We all “move along like a herd of turtles”. And the most important thing in life is to simply look after each other along the way…


My condolences go out to the family and everyone who was honored to know Aunt Alice. I wish I could have spent more time with her, but unfortunately living on the other side of the U.S. made it impossible. I will cherish the times that I did get to spend with her and the family. I hope that when she reached Heaven, that those we lost before her, were waiting with open arms. I hope that she is at peace now and happy. Aunt Alice, I will miss you and hold my memories of you close to my heart. I love you. Rest in Peace!

Looking back on all the pictures you posted brings back such memories. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a fixture in my childhood and a wonderful woman. I was just thinking about all of you recently. 
I am so sorry I most likely won’t be able to attend the wake tomorrow. You are all in my heart and prayers. 
Love,
Marie Smith 

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Alice McNamara

February 21, 1937 – October 29, 2021

Claude R. Boyd–Spencer Funeral Home

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