Alice Charleston Shanks

Alice Charleston Shanks entered into the bosom of Jesus on Friday February 17, 2017. To the union of the late Eli and Alice Collins Charleston a precious daughter was born and they called her name Alice. Her loving grandparents the late Willie and Amelia Chapman Collins played a major role in tutoring her growth from her childhood as well. Alice was the beloved wife of the late Charles James Shanks. She was admired by her relatives and extended families both near and far. Alice attended the public schools of Orleans Parish and was a product of Gilbert Academy and McDonough 35 Senior High School. She attended and graduated from Xavier University in the field of Music Education. Alice later obtained her license as Funeral Director and worked in the in this profession for numerous years. In years to follow she became a member of the Pilgrim Progress Baptist Church and was hired as organist. Since 1970 Alice C. Shanks has been "The Organist" for the entire Louisiana Freedman Baptist Missionary General Association. Her work there is described as a "labor of love". She served at the Baptist Conventions both state and nationwide. She attended the Gospel Music Workshop of America throughout the years. Alice was Past Grand Matron of Esther Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star Prince Hall affiliation. She was also a part of Veronica Chapter #8 O.E.S. of Jericho where she served as M.A.M., Susie L. Murphy Court# 34 Order of Cyrene's Past Royal Commandress, New Orleans Assembly #1 Order of Golden Circle where she served as Past Loyal Lady Ruler. Alice served well as Commandress, Grand Musician and Deputy Grand Musician Imperial Court, no matter what house of the Eastern Star she was in. Alice leaves to mourn her sister, Carolyn (Rev Bernard G Murray Sr.) Murray, niece, Semone Jackson, great-nieces, Kallae and Jokaia, great-nephew, Jayce, adopted sister, Laverne Cowart, adopted brothers Rev. Sidney Joshua and Edward Brumfield, stepdaughters, Claudia and Wanda Shanks, devoted cousins, Gwendolyn (Robert) Menestrina, Elaine (Robert) Markham, Vera Collins White, Godson, Edward (Brenda) Morris and a host of other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends, pastors, officers and members of Pilgrim Progress MBC, Louisiana Freedman Baptist Missionary General Association Churches and all neighboring churches. Officers and members of Esther Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star are invited to attend the Wake services on Friday, March 3, 2017 at Pilgrim Progress MBC, 3600 Loyola Ave., beginning 7:00 pm. Church visitation 5:00pm until 7:00pm. Funeral services on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the above church beginning 12 noon. Church visitation 10:00 am until 12 noon. Rev. Roy Williams, pastor, officiating. Entombment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Professional Services Entrusted to Littlejohn Funeral Home. 2163 Aubry Street, Cal K. Johnson, Manager-Funeral Director. Info: 504-940-0045.