Martha Alice Tyson

Montgomery native Alice Hollon Tyson, beloved family matriarch, stalwart of her church and cherished

friend to so many, died Tuesday January 10, following an illness.

She was born in 1930 to Fred and Frank Hollon, was a proud 1948 graduate of Sidney Lanier High School

and was a long-time active member of the Lanier 48ers Club. She was studying at the University of

Alabama when in 1951 she married Thomas Martin Tyson Sr. and moved to Northern California for his

active duty service during the Korean Conflict.

After returning to Montgomery to raise their family, Alice became a devoted communicant of St. John’s

Episcopal Church, where her participation was wide-ranging during 72 years of attendance. She taught

Sunday school, served multiple terms on the vestry, was elected president of the Diocese Episcopal

Churchwomen and is noted as its first female chalice bearer.

Tommy and Alice had three sons. Tommy’s identical twin brother, Walter, and his wife, Maureen, had

three daughters, each matching in age with one of their male first cousins. The two families grew up very

close-knit, especially enjoying the lake, holidays and Alabama football together. Eventually, Alice became

“Gran” to her grandchildren, and made time whenever she could to be in the audience to cheer on their

many pursuits.

Tommy, their middle son, Fred White Tyson Sr. and a sister, Jean Shackleford, preceded her in death.

Survivors include two sons: Thomas Martin Tyson, Jr. and his wife, Martha and John Walter Tyson; a

daughter-in-law: Florence Culver Tyson; a brother: Frank Hollon Jr.; six grandchildren, Mary Alice

Browning (Steve), Wesley Westerkom (Robert), Laura Crum (William), Allyson Mouron (Lewis), Fred

“Ty” Tyson (Melisa), Thomas Tyson (Bradshaw); and 14 great-grandchildren.

The Rev. Dr. Duncan Johnston and the Rev. Dr. Deonna Neal will conduct funeral services at 11 a.m.,

Tuesday, January 17 at St. John’s, with burial to follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Prior to services the

family will receive friends in the parish hall at 10 a.m.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Fred “Ty” Tyson Jr. and Thomas Tyson II and the husbands of her

granddaughters: Lewis Mouron, Steve Browning, Robert Westerkom, and William Crum.

Throughout her long life, it was obvious to all that Alice’s faith, family and friends were her highest

priorities.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 113 Madison Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104 or to

the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the Tyson family.