Alice Wilson Pearce

Alice was the third child of George Pickett Wilson, an English professor at Woman’s College (UNC Greensboro) and Helen Leeson Wilson, a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, George P. Wilson and Robert L. Wilson, and her husband, Elwood Newton Pearce. She was fortunate to celebrate 76 years of marriage and to have Woody with her until he was 100.

Alice was born in Madison, Wisconsin, but spent most of her life in Greensboro, NC. She graduated from Woman’s College in 1942 with a degree in home economics consisting of majors in institutional management and teaching. She worked as the manager of an elementary school cafeteria for two years until her marriage in 1945 to Woody Pearce.

For the remainder of her life, she devoted her energies to her husband and their four children and to volunteering in the civic and cultural life of Greensboro.

Alice was a Girl Scout leader for her three daughters. She led her daughter Kathy’s troop through high school and was delighted to host the women from that troop when they returned for their 50th high school reunion.

Alice worked on membership at Hamilton Lakes pool for many years. She enjoyed playing tennis, swimming, and doing water ballet with the Mermaid Mammas at the pool.

Alice’s love of classical music began in college. She and her husband, Woody, were patrons of the Greensboro Symphony, the Greensboro Opera Company, the Choral Arts Society, and the Carolina Theater. Alice served on the Boards of each of these groups, working on ticket sales, publicity, fund raising, and membership. She won many awards in recognition of her significant contributions to the arts and the cultural life of Greensboro including: the Barbara Cone Award and Golden Note Award from the Symphony Guild, the Jane Armfield Award from the Opera Companions, the O. Henry Award from the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, and the Altrusa Community Arts Award.

Alice baked thousands of desserts for receptions hosted by these music guilds to the delight of many, including her grandchildren.

Alice enjoyed supporting the music scene by hosting many musicians, singers, and conductors in her home. This led to several lasting friendships.

Alice also volunteered for many years with the Wesley Long Hospital Auxiliary. She served as President of the Auxiliary, the volunteer coordinator, and as a pharmacy volunteer. Even to the age of 100, Alice continued to knit prayer shawls for the hospital to give to patients. She also knitted prayer shawls for Starmount Presbyterian church. She estimated that she made over 300 shawls.

Alice volunteered with Meals on Wheels and at Starmount church. She was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in the Presbyterian Women for her many years of service to the church.

As a lifelong learner, Alice enjoyed participating in various circles, lecture leagues, and book groups.

Alice was a positive presence in the lives of all who knew her. She was a great listener. She was generous. She was kind. She was the heart of the family.

Alice is survived by her children and their spouses, her grandchildren, and one great grandchild: Betty Jo (BJ) Pearce (Frank McClanahan) and William McClanahan and George McClanahan (Blaire) and their son, Benjamin McClanahan; Katharine Pearce (Paul Wetenhall) and Sarah Wetenhall and John Wetenhall (Carolyn Witte); David Pearce (Susan Blaauw Pearce) and Emily Pearce and Thomas Pearce; and Carol Pearce (William Barto) and Thomas Barto, Eleanor Barto, and David Barto (Lucia Chambi).

The family is especially thankful to the wonderful caregivers at Whitestone, Always Best Care Senior Services and hospice for their loving care of Alice during the final chapter of her life.

Memorial contributions may be made to: the Bass Trombone Chair at the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, the UNC-Greensboro School of Music- Jazz and Opera Endowment, or the Greensboro Opera Company.