Mary Alice Critcher Howard of Oxford, NC died peacefully on her 93rd birthday, June 20, 2018 surrounded by family. She was born June 20, 1925 at the family home in Vance County, NC to the late Casper Percy Critcher and Lillian Fuller Critcher.
Mary Alice is predeceased by her husband, Coolidge Hobgood Howard; and her sister, Charlotte Critcher Harris.
Mary Alice is survived by her son, Terry Coolidge Howard, and wife Marilyn of Oxford, NC; and daughter, Alicia Howard Jackson of Stem, NC; 4 grandchildren: Melissa Howard Hall, (Tyler), Whitney Howard Hendley, (Todd), and Bryant and Heather Jackson; 2 great grandchildren: Judah and Orson Hendley. Mary Alice is also survived by her cousins, Linda Watkins, Faye Capps, and Rudy Hunt; and nephews, Richard Harris, David Harris, and Douglas Harris; and many other loving family members and friends.
Mary Alice graduated from Oxford High School before attending Elon College. She worked a number of years as a bank teller at Planters National Bank and later retired from Murdoch Center’s Food and Nutrition Department. As a young girl she was an active member of Enon Baptist Church, and after she married became a member of Hester Baptist Church, where she taught Mission Friends and was an active church member. In her senior years she enjoyed attending Amis Chapel Baptist Church where her son pastored for ten years. She looked forward to attending Sunday School and worshipping each week.
Mary Alice was a woman who loved and enjoyed life to its fullest. Her greatest joys came from spending time with her family and friends. It was through her caring spirit and unwavering determination that allowed her to persevere through life’s joys and challenges. She enjoyed traveling and spending time at the beach, particularly shagging with Coolidge. In her later years, she would often relax with a good word puzzle and enjoy a competitive game of Bingo with the ladies at the Coventry House Inn.
Mary Alice’s family wishes to thank everyone who cared for her during her latter years at the Coventry House Inn and especially her latter days while under the loving hospice care of Amedisys.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 11:00 am at Amis Chapel Baptist Church, 9198 Amis Chapel Rd., Oxford, NC. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.
Flowers are acceptable or memorial contributions may be made to Amis Chapel Baptist Church, C/O Lynette Frazier, 9198 Amis Chapel Rd., Oxford, NC 27565.
The Howard Family is being proudly served by Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home.
Deborah and Mike Dupree
June 22, 2018 at 11:13 amTerry, Marilyn and family,
The Duprees extend our loving sympathies to all of you. Mary Alice was a delight and joy wherever she went. We personally loved hearing stories of all her funny sayings and her love of life. We should all be more like her. Although we are out of town and cannot attend her service, we will be there in spirit. We know the gospel will be shared. The fruit of salvation was evidenced by your mother’s joy, love, kindness, gentleness, peace, long suffering, goodness, and self-control. We love all of you and will pray for God’s comfort.
Kelley Wade Perdue
June 22, 2018 at 3:07 pmTerry and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ms. Howard was such a wonderful asset to Amis Chapel. She loved life and lived it to absolute fullest. No matter the time, she had a smile on her face! Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Steven and Leslie Hargrove
June 22, 2018 at 10:54 pmMarilyn and Terry, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to strengthen you during this season of grief. Stay encouraged and blessed.