Juanice Alexander

JUANICE ALEXANDER, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 17, 2008 in Houston, Texas, surrounded by her family. She enjoyed Christmas carols with the family on her final day in this life. She was born on June 4, 1925 in Anderson, Missouri. Her father was a 50-year veteran of the Kansas City Southern railroad company. His job involved several family moves, and they settled in Mena, Arkansas during Juanice's junior high and high school years. She was married November 4, 1945 to her high school sweetheart, Stephen H. Alexander, in Mena. Their first date was at age 13, an outing with other young couples after church on Easter Sunday 1938, over 70 years ago. Juanice graduated with a degree in music from the University of Arkansas, where she specialized in piano and organ performance. She served as organist to various congregations in El Dorado Arkansas, St. Louis Missouri, and Houston Texas. Her final gig was with the Ashford United Methodist Church in Houston. At her retirement, she presented as her final gift to her congregation J. S. Bach's Toccata in D minor, which was her U of A senior recital piece. She will be remembered by her family and friends as sweet and loving, a highly talented musician, and a devoted student of the Bible. Additionally, we will remember her fondly and affectionately as a lady with strong opinions, freely shared. She was preceded in death by her parents, Retha and C. L. Smith, sister Marilyn Dean Smith, and brother Delbert Smith. She is survived by her husband Stephen, sons Wayne, John and Greg Alexander, daughters-in-law Barbara Alexander and Patrice Alexander. She is survived by grandsons Stephen, Christopher, Benjamin and Nicholas Alexander, Ryan VanOverbeke, and grand-daughters Angela Shepherd and Melissa Miller, and great-granddaughter Addison Shepherd. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Louise Waters and Elizabeth (Betty) Matthews and husband Stephen Matthews. A family graveside service is scheduled for 2 PM on Monday, December 22 at Pine Crest cemetery in Mena. A memorial service will be held at Juanice's home church, Tallowood Baptist, in Houston Texas at 2 PM on Saturday, January 10, 2009. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (www.ccfa.org "How you can help" "Tributes: Honors and Memorials") or any other charity of your choice.