Alice C. Townes' Obituary
Alice C. Townes passed away on Saturday April 1, 2017. She was born on May 3, 1923 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the daughter of William and Carry Irvin. Her father was a well-known and highly respected merchant, owning and operating several stores.
During her high school days, Alice was the pianist and assistant organist for the Calvary Baptist Church in Fort Smith. In her high school class, she was vice President of the Athenian Library Society, a member of the Latin Club, student director of the senior play “Our Town”, a member of the student council and commencement speaker at graduation.
When attending the Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas she majored in Dramatic Arts, won second place in college drama for the state of Arkansas, and was elected president of her college class. She subsequently had the lead female roll in a number of plays in the U.S. and in Europe.
Her first marriage ended in divorce and in 1958 she married Colonel James E. Townes, Jr. From Richmond, Virginia. They met while he was a student at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
As an Army wife Alice lived on a number of posts in the United States and had an opportunity to travel extensively, spending some time in sixteen different countries.
After Colonel Townes retired, they settled in Florida and enjoyed a life there for over thirty years.
She is survived by her husband, Colonel James E. Townes, Jr., Lloyd C. Hummert, of Vallejo, California, Son by her first marriage, a step daughter Patricia Townes Hooks, of Leesburg, FL and son Colonel Richard C. Townes, of Charleston, South Carolina.
Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, Florida 32778.
Steverson, Hamlin and Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, Tavares, Florida is handling all funeral arrangements.
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