Alice Louise Bannister

Alice Louise Bannister finally accepted the call of Death in the early morning hours of Friday, May 31st in Huntsville, Texas, which was particularly extraordinary as her family knew full well how she hated to answer any call, despite working at the phone company for years. She was 71.

Alice began her extraordinary career in telecommunications at Southwestern Bell where she spent over 30 years of her life, starting as a telephone operator at 16 and working her way towards becoming tech girl chic before it was in vogue, ending her long-running career as a highly regarded #5 ESS machine technician. She retired only to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a professional bargain hunter, after years on the amateur circuit purveying the fine goods of random garage sales.

She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Wayne, daughter Donya Eaves, Bethany, Bitzy, and Bailey Bannister, an apparent love of alliteration, son-in-law John Eaves, grandson Aaron Eaves, and unofficial mini-me, her granddaughter Gloria Eaves, in addition to numerous family members who loved her dearly. Those who will undoubtedly also feel her loss include Bruce Springsteen, her second husband (unofficially, of course) who never heard her loving covers of his songs in decidedly mixed keys, as well as, Alice’s Boutique and the Trinity Auction, where she regularly scored her big wins, earning her professional bargain hunter scores and rankings.

She is proceeded in death by her father, Jack E. Goetz, her mother, Antoinette “Toni” M. Goetz, canine sons Winston, who had to walk an hour to find the perfect spot to do his business, and Andy, canine daughters Princess Cara and the unassuming Samatha who was nearly put to death before being rescued by Alice herself. All of whom pale in comparison to the Queen Diva herself, Miss Mozart, who was once Alice’s shadow and singing partner. Family members still reminisce about their impromptu concerts with tears in their eyes.

Alice was an incredibly giving and loving woman. Her professional bargaining hunting talents were best put to use when she was giving gifts and she was second only to Santa Claus himself in making sure the kids she knew and loved had a wondrous Christmas.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 3, 2019 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Pat H. Foley & Company. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 11:00 am at Pat H. Foley & Company. Burial will follow at 1:00 pm at Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Planned Parenthood in her memory by going to their website at PlannedParenthood.org or calling 800-430-4907.