Alice Greene Williams' Obituary
Alice Jean Holmes Greene Williams, a phenomenal woman, was born to the late Thomas and Mable Holmes September 1, 1931, in Walstonburg, North Carolina. Influenced by her parent’s
faith, Alice committed her life to Christ at an early age and became a member of Zachariah AME Zion Church in Greene County, North Carolina. As a youngster growing up in the rural
south, Alice had dreams of living in a big city and escaping the discriminating practices brought on by the enforcement of the Jim Crow laws that reigned from the 1870s to the 1960s. To that
end, in 1957, seven years after graduating from Green County High School, Alice and her late husband Johnny Greene moved to Washington, DC to live with her brother, Jesse Frank Holmes.
Little did Alice know when she relocated to the District of Columbia that God had a plan for her life, ‘plans for good and not evil, to give her a future and a hope’ as found in Jeremiah 29:11. She tried her hand in a variety of jobs but subsequently worked for the federal government for 31 years. While she was
working at Federal Trade Commission she met her husband Glenwood Sylvester Gaskins. Alice primarily worked for the Department of the Army and the Federal Trade Commission as
a management analyst until her retirement. In 1985, after retiring, Alice became an entrepreneur and opened a home daycare business for infants and pre-school children. For many
years, families and children benefited from Alice’s unique approach to life and her special way with children. Ironically, Alice became a source of solace for other family members in search of a new direction as Jesse Frank was for her back in 1957. Alice deeply loved her family and offered them
room and board when needed. This was not a one-time occurrence; she opened her doors willingly and welcomed anyone visiting or needing temporary housing to her home throughout her life. Her home was a welcoming place where her green thumb and baking skills flourished yielding beautiful
flowers from her garden and the smell of a fresh baked homemade cake. Inarguably, Alice was a beautiful and passionate woman; she had quite a few last names. However, her greatest pride was
her children and grandchildren. She loved them and cared for them with all her might and wanted nothing but the best for them. Alice also had special and lasting relationships with her
sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins and awesome friends. Connecting with people was one of Alice’s superpowers; she never met a stranger and had a genuine interest in the lives of
others. Hence, the innumerable godsisters, goddaughters and godsons that entered her life with much love and support until her demise. Moreover, many meaningful relationships were developed in her church, Union Wesley AME Zion. Alice loved the Lord and her church family, especially her Pastors. Alice joined several organizations in Union Wesley (Archives, Conference Worker, Senior Ministry and The
Wesleyans). Even after her move to Upper Marlboro and periodic visits to the hospital, Alice remained positive and faithful. She continued to pay her tithes and offerings and fellowshipped with her church family most first Sundays largely due to the kindness of Debbie Brown, who picked her up from her Upper Marlboro residence and drove her to church. Additionally, Alice loved to call into her Saturday morning Prayer Line where she found joy, comfort, and validation. Connecting with people was indeed one of Alice’s greatest gifts. Alice believed that she had a good life and the responsibility of lifting others up and demonstrating her love. She often remembered others on their birthdays, sent cards with an inspirational note, an autographed 2-dollar bill, and specific instructions, “Put this in your Bible.” God was pleased with Alice’s generosity and granted her much favor throughout her years. Eternally grateful for all her blessings, Alice trusted in the Lord to direct her path, and most recently, this path led her to The Abundance Care Home in Bowie, Md. The family is deeply appreciative of the unwavering care, concern and support extended to her by the owner, Ms. Valerie Lucas and her personal caregiver, Ms. Jordan Walker
while residing at Abundance Care. Even in a weakened state during her last days on earth,
Alice remained true to herself. Isn’t it just like her to nudge God as she was transitioning and whisper with a sweet spirit, “I’m ready to go home now?”
Everlasting love and treasured memories remain in the hearts of the family and friends of Alice Jean Holmes Green Williams. Her family includes daughters Jonica McCoy (Michael), Crystal Dixon (Alvin); grandchildren Chaminada Wright, Ebone Holloway (Rami), William Michael McCoy IV, Trevon Dixon, Marqus McCoy and Trinity Dixon; sister Maxine Edwards. God Daughter Gloria Whitley and God Son Anthony Holmes. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and delightful friends. Preceding Alice in death Ivy Williams (husband), siblings Lela Streeter, Raymond Holmes, Jesse Frank Holmes, Ada Holmes, Mildred Jones, Rudolph Holmes, Barbara Cummings and Thomas Holmes, Jr. and Gwendolyn Holmes.
What’s your fondest memory of Alice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alice?
Share a story where Alice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alice you’ll never forget.
How did Alice make you smile?