Alice Denton

She is survived by her children, Don (Karen) and Michelle, by her grandchildren, Mel, Jackson and Charlie, and by one sister, Helen Brown and her family in Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kathleen and Robert Halbert, by a sister, Kathleen “Kitty” Patterson, by two brothers, Robert Halbert and Tommy Halbert, and by her ex-husband, Don Denton.

Alice was born in Norton, Virginia in 1943. Alice’s father managed numerous hotels in the South, and Alice apparently endeared herself with the hotel restaurant staff to ensure a ready supply of cheese, which she frequently carried in her purse. Alice lived in Virginia, Arkansas, Mississippi, New York and Tennessee, but laid the most claim to being from Laurel, Mississippi, where she apparently learned her famous, fingerless mouth whistle, a love of dancing, and a love for the Biloxi beach.

Alice raised two children to whom she gave no neglect and endless love, who were the joys of her life, and who gave her three grandchildren for whom she sparkled. Not to say that Alice didn’t get angry, but all knew her tell for that, her “duck walk”, and got out of her way.

After transitioning her children to their own families, Alice pursued her career passion, antiques. She owned an antique store in Quitman, Arkansas, Special Blend Antiques, for many years and prided on being called “a special blend”. Alice traveled the country looking for primitive antiques, always convincing one of her children to accompany her. She had an apt eye for treasures, especially her “smalls”. While she imparted this eye unto her granddaughter, Alice used her primitive games to teach her grandsons the finer points of checkers. She continued her business in Crystal Hill Antique Mall until the end of her career.

Alice’s final years were spent close to her daughter and son in Benton. She and her “old fool” ex-husband remained very good friends until his death. For eleven years Alice fought Alzheimer’s with the best of attitudes, never once losing her love of family, dance and the whistle. The staff at Fox Ridge Bryant became her friends, and the family forever is indebted for their care and love of her.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 Highway 5 North, Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org; alternatively, go antiquing at your local dealer and buy a special “small” in her honor.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pinecrestfh.com for the Denton family.