Alice Faith Empie

Alice Faith Empie (Winter), age 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 1, 2024, following a brief and sudden illness.
Alice is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Jeff; her daughter Laurel (Jim) and son Derek (Amber); five grandchildren, Carson, Adisyn, Aubree, Brendan and Ace; her brother Duane (Vicky); and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Eino Winter and Lillian (Lundgren), and her brother Reverend Richard Winter.
Alice was born on June 12, 1942, in Gardner, MA. She grew up in Westminster, MA, and graduated from Gardner High School in 1960, where she was involved in student government and played basketball and softball. In high school, Alice was selected as the sole representative for Gardner High School to attend the American Legion Girls State program, where participants were chosen based upon demonstrated leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty, and service to school and community. She also was active in Girl Scouts and Rainbow Girls and served as Grand Worthy Advisor for the latter.
Alice went on to earn her B.A. in English from Bates College (1964) in Maine. At Bates, Alice was very active on campus, participating in student government where she served as president of the women's student government her senior year, and writing for the Bates Student College Newspaper. After graduating from Bates, she attended the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, receiving her M.A. in Educational Psychology (1966). While at the University of Minnesota, she met her future husband, Jeff, and they were married on the same day she graduated from her Master's program.
After college, Alice dedicated her life to her family and to teaching middle and high school students, primarily in special education. Alice loved her students and found joy in helping them find innovative ways to unlock their potential and become the best versions of themselves. She taught at Greenwood Lake Middle School (NY), Goshen High School (NY), Brandon Hall (Atlanta), Mt. Paran Christian School (Kennesaw) (where she served as Principal for a year), and The Lovett School.
While at The Lovett School, Alice started a program for students with learning differences in grades 9-12 and also initiated an in-school tutoring program. In December 2006, through the generosity of the Sam and Frances Hemphill Foundation, and with the appreciation of Mr. and Mrs. John G. Morris, The Lovett School created The Alice Empie Academic Resource Center Fund in honor of Alice's excellent administration, leadership, mentoring, and service to young people and their families, which made a difference to countless students, parents, colleagues, and other institutions who sought her advice and guidance.
Alice spent her life giving to others. She was actively involved in the Five Loaves and Two Fish food pantry as well as the Abundant Life Soup Kitchen, both located in Griffin, GA. Alice found spiritual fulfillment as an active member of the Trinity Methodist Church (Griffin, GA), where she regularly attended Bible Study.
Alice's interests and hobbies included: creating amazing personal cards for all occasions that she would send to her family and friends; participating in Sun City Book Club; getting together with family and friends to play card or other games; decorating for Christmas (including setting up her 5 Christmas trees); organizing community social events; and cheering for her favorite teams: the Atlanta Braves and any team, show choir or other group or activity her grandchildren participated in.
A celebration of life service in Alice's honor will be held on July 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Trinity Methodist Church, 501 West Broad Street, Griffin, GA. The family will begin receiving guests at 1:00 PM. Alice requested attendees to wear bright colors (no all black); she wanted us to celebrate her new life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alice Empie Academic Resource Center Fund at The Lovett School (Matt Gould matt.gould@lovett.org or 404-262-3032 ext. 3032) and Trinity Methodist Church in Griffin (501 W. Broad Street, Griffin, GA 30223 - https://trinitymethodistchurch.org/).
For online condolences please visit www.haistenmcculloughfuneralhome.com.
Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Road, Griffin is in charge of arrangements.