Alice Mae Dykes

Alice M. Dykes passed away peacefully on January 10, 2020 at Montrose Bay Health and Rehab Center in Montrose, Alabama. She was born in New Castle, PA on September 15, 1920 to Mary and Frank Richards. Alice was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dominic and her loving husband, James W. Dykes. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Alice Wilson of Fairhope, AL.

Alice graduated highest in her class from New Castle High School and attended business school after graduation. In 1943, Alice and Jim met through mutual friends while Jim was stationed in Italy in WWII. They wrote to each other for almost two years and officially met when Jim returned from Italy. They were married in 1946 and had a wonderful love for over 50 years.

In the early 1950s Jim and Alice moved to Warren, Ohio. Later when their daughter was in middle school, Alice decided to pursue her career passion for real estate. Alice attended real estate school at Kent State University in the early 60s. She had to learn to drive also to show all those houses for her successful business she created in Warren, Ohio. She was named Realtor of the Year several times and maintained her own real estate company until they moved to Mobile in 1976. Alice and Jim worked as a team in real estate in Mobile for many more years retiring when Jim had failing health. Jim always said he just drove Alice around.

Alice was blessed with many good friends throughout the years and a loving, devoted daughter. Her loves were naturally family and her real estate career, flowers, gardening, reading, the color purple later in life, coloring. Traveling was a passion that she and her daughter shared cruising and flying to all parts of the globe.

The family wishes to express love and gratitude to the employees of Montrose Bay Health and Rehab for making Alice’s later years so joyful and comfortable. Alice was known to say to a sad new resident, “Don’t cry everything will be ok, Let’s go have some coffee and talk!” Coffee, chocolates and conversation were also some of Alice’s passions. Thanks to all the visitors who were there to comfort Alice and her daughter. Love goes out to her devoted care giver and friend, Hattie Mason. Hattie and Alice would go on long rides, get ice cream and be companions for over 15 years. For a short time, Comfort Care of Fairhope gave medical and spiritual care for which gratitude is also given.

Ashland Place United Methodist Church was part of Alice and Jim’s life. Their presence, love and guidance for her final days was so appreciated. Alice’s funeral service will be held at Ashland Place on January 16 with visitation from 10-11 in the fellowship hall and a church service at 11 in the sanctuary. Pallbearers are Barry Sides, Gary Kelley, Rick Twilley, Joe Rytlewski and William Wilson. Alice will rest beside her husband at the Mausoleum at Mobile Memorial Gardens following the service.

Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.