Alice L. Hosea, 93, passed away on Father’s Day, June 18, 2023, in the loving arms of her adoring husband John. She was born March 25, 1931, in Shannon, AL, to the late Ben and Ollie McPherson (Smith), the fourth of seven children.
Alice attended school in Shannon, AL and graduated High School in Pellum, AL. After graduation she met the love of her life, John Paul Hosea, while on her way to the community well. They were married a year later, March 12, 1951. After two years they relocated to Akron, Ohio, where they built their life and family. They had one child, son, Stephen Hosea. Because of her strong family ties and deep roots, she would travel with her family each year for pilgrimages back to Alabama to visit family and spend holidays.
Alice’s life and legacy is a testament to love, marriage and family. For 70 years, you would not see Alice without her husband John. Alice had a beautiful, sweet, and loving personality and dedicated her life to loving and nurturing her husband and son. The family started a church and Alice was a staple in the church serving in the roles, of First Lady, Sunday School Teacher, pianist, and member of the choir, with the voice of an angel. She was dearly loved by the members of North Hill Community Baptist Church. She was also an excellent cook, making some of the best cakes and pies and her signature banana Pudding. As a mother Alice was completely dedicated and meticulous in maintaining her son’s appearance, not allowing him to play and get dirty like the other children. If he managed to sneak and play and get dirty with the other children, Stephen was immediately pulled into the house, bathed and redressed and sent back outside, with harsh instructions not to get dirty again. She was hands on with Stephen’s education, helping him with his homework and advising him with important life lessons in each phase of childhood and adolescence with the Golden Rule, “Do unto Others as you would have them do unto you” and whatever choices and decisions, make sure it is God’s Way.
As the mother of an only child, Alice never cut the apron string from Stephen, he was forever her “baby” and no one ever measured up to momma in his life.
She is preceded in death by, her parents, Ben and Ollie McPherson; sisters, Bennie “Bea” Alexander, Kathryn Taylor, Irene Nixon; brothers, Willie Adams and Rev. James Adams of Pellum, AL. She leaves to mourn her loss and cherish her memory, her most loving husband, Pastor John Hosea and her son Stephen Hosea; granddaughter, Alisa Thornton of Canton, Oh and one great grandson.
Friends may call, Friday, June 23, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Road, Akron, Ohio. Services will be held, Saturday, June 24m 2023 at North Hill Community Baptist Church, 983 Avon, Street, Akron, Ohio.