Alice Clarke Warren

1940 - 2026

Alice Clarke Warren

Oct 9, 1940 - Mar 1, 2026

Alice Clarke Warren, of Greensboro, N.C., passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, surrounded by family - more loved ones than could even fit in the room - singing and whispering her gently to the next side.

Born October 9, 1940, in Ansonville, N.C., she was the daughter of Frank S. Clarke and Katherine Hilliard Clarke. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at West Market Street United Methodist Church at 2 p.m.; reception to follow.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Richard Warren, who was by her side always and every day; her siblings, Stokes Clarke and Maria Ganak; her children, Kristin Beauregard, Colby Warren, Beth McLeod, Trude McCarty, Diane Warren, and Richard Warren; 15 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Frank, and her beloved grandson, Joseph.

From an early age, Alice's spirit was thoughtful and determined. A graduate of Wadesboro High School, she earned the nickname "Twinkle Toes" for her prowess on the basketball court. She went on to graduate from West Virginia University with a degree in English, beginning a lifelong love affair with words, literature, and language.

Alice met the love of her life, Richard, while working at Blue Bell. Her professional path reflected both intellect and creativity. She worked as an assistant editor for the Fieldcrest Mills Newspaper and later as a research assistant at the Center for Creative Leadership. Her sharp editorial eye did not stop at the workplace - many a child and grandchild benefited from her thoughtful revisions and encouragement on school papers.

Alice was an artist in her own right and a devoted patron of the arts. Whether in photography, poetry, music, pottery, or her grandchildren's latest creative endeavors, she always made time to delight in beautiful things. She was known to quote lines of poetry or great writers from memory, and was often found with a good book, and a cup of tea close at hand.

One of her proudest accomplishments came later in life when she graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a degree in landscape design, turning a deep love of gardening and the outdoors into a formal study and vocation.

She found some of her greatest joy outdoors, especially in her garden - the place she was perhaps happiest, surrounded by blooms. She would walk around her newest plants rattling off every single name in Latin. She believed firmly in the restorative power of a good walk, practiced Tai Chi, loved to dance, and remained active throughout much of her life. She brought that same competitive spark to academics, and was the regular winner in many categories of family Jeopardy viewings. So many of these passions she shared side by side with Richard. Together, they built a life rich in curiosity, enjoyment and companionship.

Perhaps her most lasting impact was her quiet, steadfast service to her community. Living her faith through action, she worked closely and tirelessly through her church with many refugee families, whom she supported with deep care and commitment. The love they felt for her was reflected profoundly when one of the families named their child Alice in her honor.

Alice will be remembered by her family as a deeply authentic, curious, and pensive person. She never stopped reading, never stopped learning, and never stopped making space for beauty. Whether it was a new flower in her garden, a piece of pottery, or humming along to a moving symphony. She led with intention, patience, persistence, and kindness, planting her love firmly in all who she cared for. We will feel the blooms of her love for many years to come.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to West Market Street UMC, PO BOX 870 Greensboro, NC 27402.