Alice Howard, 81, of Statesville, N.C., departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, surrounded by love and the enduring prayers of family and friends.
Born on December 4, 1943, in Statesville, she was the beloved daughter of the late Thomas and Eloise Ramsey Clark. Educated in the Iredell County School System, Alice remained a proud daughter of her hometown throughout her life, never forgetting her roots and always pouring into her community.
Alice was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend—an embodiment of grace, compassion, and quiet strength. A lifelong caregiver both by profession and by the calling on her life, she lovingly nurtured not only her own children and grandchildren but also countless others across generations. Her home was a refuge—where laughter echoed, wisdom flowed, and love was never withheld.
Alice loved the Lord with all her heart. A true disciple of Jesus Christ, she walked in her faith boldly and unashamed. She was anointed with many spiritual gifts and used them to serve those around her. Alice shared the gospel lovingly with her family and community, often praying over her loved ones and laying hands on them with the authority of faith. She believed in healing, deliverance, and restoration, and her prayers were both powerful and sincere. She planted seeds of faith and hope in each generation, leaving behind not just memories, but a spiritual inheritance.
She was the proud mother of five children, grandmother to eleven, great-grandmother to thirty-nine, and great-great-grandmother to four. But her love extended far beyond her immediate family. With a giving spirit and open arms, she embraced all who crossed her path. Alice gave selflessly, without hesitation—whether it was a kind word, her last dollar, or simply her time and wisdom during life’s most uncertain moments. Her sharp wit and warm humor lifted hearts, and her wisdom gave guidance through many storms.
Alice found joy in the small things—spending time with family, going shopping for little treasures, and filling every room she entered with laughter and light. Her humility and enduring faith were a reflection of her character and the deep well of love from which she gave so freely.
Though she never sought recognition, Alice’s greatest achievement was the legacy she built through her children, grandchildren, and all whose lives she touched. She was their anchor and safe place—the one who encouraged dreams, offered counsel, and provided unwavering support. Her presence was steady, her spirit nurturing, and her love ever-enduring.
Alice was preceded in death by her mother lovely daughters, Angela Faye Holmes and Ardell Levon Howard; two cherished granddaughters, Meshia Howard and Santanna Wright; her brother Eddie Clark, and her dear sisters, Bessie Clark and Phyllis Stevenson; and her mother Eloise Ramsey Clark, beloved father Thomas Clark, and stepmother Virgie Lee Sherrill Clark.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children, Anthony (Kim) Howard of Statesville, Tabitha (Patrick) Clyburn of Statesville, and Ronald (Lisa) Howard of Salisbury. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, thirty-nine great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. In addition, she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends, each of whom carries with them a piece of her love and legacy.
Though Alice Howard has transitioned from this earthly life, her light continues to shine brightly in the hearts and lives of those she touched. Her memory will be eternally cherished, and the legacy she leaves—a legacy of love, faith, sacrifice, and service—will live on for generations to come.
Celebration of Life Services will be held on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Rutledge and Bigham Mortuary at 1 p.m. Visitation will be held from 12 to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
Visit the Book of Memories for Mrs. Alice Howard at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.
Rutledge and Bigham Mortuary is serving the Howard family.