Alice Marie Klosowski Courtney, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, N.C., at the age of 78. She was surrounded by the presence and love of her family in her final days, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, compassion, and strength.
Born in Bay City, Mich., to Roman and Victoria Potla Klosowski, Alice grew up with a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and community. Following the death of her parents at the age of 7, Alice was raised by her sister, Dorothy Reder, and Dorothy’s husband, Albin J. Reder, along with their beautiful 13 children.
Alice retired from Kmart and later went on to work at Kwik Trip, where she served for another 22 years before retiring twice more. Her work ethic and selflessness were evident in everything she did. She had a special place in her heart for the homeless, serving and giving help and hope to many. A survivor of breast cancer, Alice also offered deep compassion and understanding to others going through similar journeys.
She was married to Thomas Joseph Dufresne Sr., Frank Richard Walker II, and David Wayne Courtney — all of whom preceded her in death. Together they built lives grounded in love, faith, and resilience.
Alice was a devoted mother to her daughters, Tammey Sue Dufresne Pierce, Donna Jean Almendarez, Sherry Ann Wiltrout, and Dawn Faith Letson; and to her sons: Thomas Joseph Dufresne Jr., Ernest Dufresne, and Frank Richard Walker III. She was a proud grandmother of 25 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, William Henry Walker. Alice is also survived by numerous sons-in-law and daughters-in-law and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Alice was preceded in death by her sister Dorothy and three brothers, Roman Jr., Aloyicious and James.
Her family was the center of her world, and her gentle guidance, unjudgmental and unwavering love will be remembered and cherished forever. Also to be remembered was her very passionate and fierce defense for her family as well as anyone else that was not being treated fairly and with love.
Alice was known for her generous and compassionate spirit. She brought joy and laughter to everyone she met. She was a member of Riverview Baptist Church in Ft. Pierce, Florida, and remained connected to the congregation even after moving to North Carolina in March of 2025. Her faith shaped her life, and her love for Jesus Christ radiated in every word and deed. She shared the gospel openly with everyone she encountered.
A celebration of Alice’s life will take place at 119 Loray Lane, Statesville, NC, 28625 on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Alice and in honor of her granddaughter, Jessica Dufresne.
Another meaningful way to remember Alice would be to share the love of Christ with others — and to ensure they know how to spend eternity with Him. She always stated that at her funeral, it needed to be told to everyone that now is the time for anyone who needs to come to the Lord, come now.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Courtney and her family.