Alice Ferrell Verlander

Alice Ferrell Verlander, age 95, died peacefully on October 21, 2016. Born as the youngest of 10 children to John Henry and Louetta Ferrell in LaGrange, Georgia on January 30, 1921. Alice lived a full and joyful life. She was a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. On Christmas Eve 1941, Alice married the love of her life, William Ashley (Ash) Verlander, and they created together a wonderfully fulfilling life. She lovingly supported Ash in her career and became an integral part of the American Heritage Life Insurance family. Alice was renowned for her gracious Southern hospitality, and was even written up in the Florida Times-Union for her legendary pineapple cake recipe. Her civic involvements included the Friends of the Jacksonville University Library, for which she organized and participated in the annual fashion show. But Alice's adventures did not end there-she traveled the globe and delighted in the famous people she met, including Bob Hope, Winston Churchill, Jr., Ronald Reagan, and above all her favorite entertainer, Frank Sinatra. For Alice, family always came first, and she loved hosting children and grandchildren for birthday parties and other important occasions. She also had a large extended family that included people such as Dr. Fran Kinne, Billy and the late Nettie Walker, and Laura and the late Ken Honey of Boothbay Harbor, Maine. When her friends were sick or in need, Alice was always the first to step forward and provide food or a cheerful visit. She knew that love was the best medicine.

Alice was predeceased by her husband Ash; her son, Cary; her grandson, Jonathan Soud; and her parents and 9 siblings. She is survived by her son, Chris (Karen); her daughter, Cathy (Steve); her niece, Janet Williams (Billy); grandchildren, Alan Verlander (Bonnie), Scott Verlander (Stephanie), Michael Verlander (Lauren), Natalie Soud, and Paul Soud. Additionally, she is survived by 9 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 24 for 5:30-7:30 pm at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 25 at 2:00pm at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL. The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Clarity Point Baymeadows for all of their love and concern. Gifts should be designated in memory of Alice Verlander either to The Jonathan Soud Legacy Endowment for Global Medical Care at Wolfson Children's Hospital (online at https://foundation.baptistjax.com/mongoliabound; via mail at 841 Prudential Dr, Suite 1300, Jacksonville, FL 32207) or The Bolles School Endowment Fund (7400 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217).

Please Sign the guestbook at: www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.