Alyce Ruth Meredith

Alyce Ruth Meredith was born October 5, 1932, to the union of Ernest Smith Johnson and Magnolia Gregory Johnson in Meridian, Mississippi.

Alyce was a loving and kind child, and throughout her lifetime she remained loving, kind, and generous to her family and friends. At a very young age, Alyce was united with the Haven Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church.

Alyce received her education in the Meridian Public School System: East End Elementary, Wechsler Jr. High, and T.J. Harris High School. She continued her post-secondary education for 2 years at Jackson State University.

Alyce met and courted Jessie Meredith in Meridian. They were wed in holy matrimony on August 10th, 1956, and to this union were born seven children. In 1967 they and their children migrated to Chicago, IL. They were happily married 67 years. Throughout her lifetime Alyce was acquainted with many people which developed into many close friendships. She was a very giving person and was always willing to help anyone whenever she could, especially all those who had the pleasure of dining at her home.

Alyce was adamant about her relationship with God. After visiting several churches in the Chicagoland area, she united with Canaan African Methodist Episcopal Church after the family moved to Maywood, IL. She was a dedicated leader and served faithfully wearing many hats:  Senior (Chancel) Choir, Class Leader, Inspirational Youth Choir Supervisor, Sarah Allen Missionary Society, Sunday School Teacher, Food Pantry, the Canaan Service League, founder of the Canaan AME Church Youth Drill Team, one of the coordinators of the West Suburban Chorale and Executive Board Member of the Chicago Area Glenn E. Burleigh’s Born to Die Cantata Chorale.

Alyce’s occupational history includes serving as a Domestic Worker, Cook at Jones Supply Restaurant (where she served the Freedom Riders), Administrative Staff at the East End Elementary School. While in Chicago, she was employed as a Claims Adjuster for General Motors Acceptance Corporation until she retired in 1992. After retirement, she spent her time helping raise her grandchildren.

Alyce took her last earthly breath and transitioned the evening of May 3rd. Her father and mother, Ernest and Magnolia Johnson, her son Ricky LaVoid, eight brothers, Charles, Alfred, Ernest Smith Jr., Bennie Edward, Robert, Thomas, Ernest Sledge and Henry L. Burnett, sisters, Mary Earle, Charlotte Marie, and Emma Jean preceded her in death. Those who cherish fond memories of Alyce include her sister. Annie Pearl Barnett, Dayton, OH and brother, Jerome Johnson (Joyce), Sacramento, CA; sisters in-love Johnnie Pearl Johnson, Meridian, MS, Loretta Johnson, Seat Pleasant, MD; her children Rhonda Meredith Hodge (Alvin), Maywood, IL, Jessie LaValle (Joyce), Lombard, IL, Ernest Theoria (Ann), Odessa, FL, Lonnie Wayne (Bridgette), Columbus, OH, Bruce Terrance, Berkeley, IL, and Cedric Charles, Atlanta, GA; Two daughters in-love, Vicki Kindred Meredith and Tonjua Jackson. Seven grandchildren: Cameron Anthony Meredith, Winnipeg, MN, Anastasia Marlyce Berry (Dominique), Tallahassee, FL, Brooklyn Tiara Meredith, Naperville, IL, Blaise Terrance Meredith, Naperville, IL, Jared LaValle Meredith, Atlanta, GA, Jalen Latrell Meredith, Charleston, SC, Bryce Trinity Meredith, Atlanta, GA. Five Great-Grandchildren: Victoria, Xayne, Kamiyah, Dominique, and Josiah, and a host of nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews, cousins, a surrogate mother to friends of her children and her friends.