Alice Faye Beason Thomas

Alice Faye Beason Thomas was born on July 20, 1942, in Ashville, Alabama and
departed this life on July 20, 2025. She was born to the union of Roy Curtis Beason Sr. and
Florine Bothwell Beason. Alice Faye was the third child born to this union, and was preceded in
death by her parents, Roy and Florine, and siblings, Joe Louis, Bennie Mae, Maxine, Mary Etta,
Roy Curtis, and George Lankford. Alice Faye attended St. Paul United Methodist Church with
her siblings as a child, and accepted the Lord at an early age.
Alice Faye was a graduate of Ashville Colored High School in Ashville, Alabama, and
later migrated to Omaha, Nebraska. While in Omaha, she married Claude Hayden Thomas Sr.,
and to this union two children, Monica Agee Thomas and Claude Hayden Thomas Jr., were born.
She later migrated to Brooklyn, New York in search of better opportunities and was reunited
with her siblings. She enrolled in Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York studying
Liberal Arts before working for the Board of Education. During this time, she met Hezekiah
Watford (deceased) and was blessed with her third child Buena Vista Watford Lyons.
In 1978, she migrated to Houston, TX and accepted a job with Harris County Juvenile
Probation. It was there she met her dear friend of 47 years Ethel Mitchison. She worked there for
many years before obtaining a position with Southern Pacific Railroad, from which she retired
after many years of diligent service.
After the death of her oldest sister, Bennie Mae Whisenant, Alice Faye became the
matriarch of her family helping raise not only her children, but her niece and nephews as well. In
addition, she always cared for her brother, Roy Curtis Beason, until his untimely death. Alice
Faye was the true expression of the saying, "Family First," and had a love for her family that was
unmeasurable. She had a true passion for cooking and found joy in preparing meals filled with
love. Her kitchen was her sacred space, where no one else was allowed, and she took pride in
creating Sunday dinners that brought the entire family together. Much like the beloved tradition
in the movie Soul Food, she made her home a place of warmth, laughter, and togetherness,
ensuring that family bonds remained strong around the dinner table. She always did everything
in her ability to support her family in all of their endeavors, and worked hard to keep everyone
together. She was a true friend and confidant to those she loved, and was not a person that held
her tongue.
Grass never grew under her feet, and in her later years she spent her time between New
York and Texas. In New York, she spent the majority of her time taking care of her sister Mary
Etta, until her passing in March 2025. In Texas, she devoted herself to her children and
grandchildren in Houston and Dallas. Alice Faye enjoyed traveling, and entertaining friends and
family, but loved no place more than Ashville, Alabama. In her heart she was a true country girl
who never forgot her roots. She did everything possible to support and encourage everyone, and
always ensured she had the last word. When walking into her home, it was guaranteed that there
would be a house full of family and everyone would be enjoying themselves. She was very
friendly, welcomed everyone into her home, and made everyone feel they were a part of her
family. Just like her siblings, she had a smile that could light up a room, and always enjoyed a
good joke.
Alice Faye lived a life full of love, was dedicated to her family, and had a deep
connection to her roots. She cherished her relationships, lived her life with integrity, and pursued
her passions. Alice Faye leaves to mourn her children, Monica, Claude (Piper), and Vista
(Darrell), and grandchildren, Jordan, Jasmine, Joshua, Jacob, Dage, and Ajani, and one great
grandson, James Eli. She also leaves her only sister-in-law Katherine Beason and a host of
nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly. Alice Faye will forever remain in
the hearts of all who loved her.
Public Viewing will be 10:00 A.M until time of service Saturday, August 2,2025. at the Overcoming Church of our Lord Jesus Christ,576 Peaceful Valley Rd, Ashville, AL 35953.
Celebration of Life Services Starts at 11:00 A.M. Bishop Terry A. Jones, Officiating. Burial Ashville Cemetery.
Premiere Provider of Professional Services:
West Gadsden Funeral Home, Inc. 2118 Forrest Ave, Gadsden, Al. 35904. 256.549.0004