Alice Lee Gordon Hiatt

As well as being preceded in death by her parents, Pauline Gordon (née Whitley) and Henry Ford Gordon, she was preceded by her husband, Larry Swanson Hiatt Sr.; her son, Larry Swanson Hiatt Jr. (colloquially known as Buddy); and her beloved miniature poodle, Sugarpie. Alice is survived by her daughter, Tonya Renee Fair (née Hiatt), who was also her primary caregiver for many years, and their corgi, Sky; as well as her sister, Carolyn Robbins (née Gordon). Along with her daughter and sister, left to cherish her memory are five grandchildren: Maegan Hiatt Wilson (Tanner Wilson), Zachary Hartgrove Fair (Joanna Jongolnee), Sarah Alice Whitaker (Christian Whitaker), Alexandria Hiatt Persin (Asher Persin), and Cole Ausby Hiatt; and three great-grandchildren: Kelin Wilson, Kyle Wilson, and Phoebe Whitaker. Alice also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and friends.

Alice was a young mom, but that didn’t stop her from setting her mind to something and achieving her own goals. While rearing two young children with her husband, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and earned the title “RN”, becoming a successful nurse who cared for thousands of patients during her career. Whether she was working in a hospital, a doctor’s office, or doing home-health, she always ensured her patients would receive the utmost care.

When she wasn’t working, she continued to keep herself busy with traveling, gardening, reading, and creating art. Together with her husband, Larry, she traveled to the United Kingdom, Greece, Cancun, and many other locations. Her and Larry were also known to spend time at Oak Island, which they officially moved to during retirement. Here, you could find Alice on their boat, the Sea Beagle, shopping in downtown Southport, digging in her garden, or playing bridge with her friends.

Alice was a dedicated Moravian throughout her life, assisting in Lovefeasts during Christmas and Easter as a diener, wrapping candles for services, and volunteering for educational workshops. She became a member of Clemmons Moravian Church as a young adult and had maintained her membership her entire life, dedicating her time to the Church whenever she could.

Though Alice may no longer be with us, her bright spirit will always guide us in the dark.

A small visitation service for family and friends will be held on August 14th at 2:15pm in the parlor at Clemmons Moravian Church. Following this visitation, a communal outdoor graveside service will be held at 3pm in God's Acre.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clemmons Moravian Church on behalf of Alice Hiatt.

Look for me among the flowers.

I am born of orange blossoms,

and orchids,

of the scent of lavender,

and spicy beach roses.

A small girl,

fingers spangled with pollen.

The plump bees and I

so alike,

prodding,

sniffing,

poking at plants.

A lifetime of blossoms

both wild and cultivated–

sweet springs,

autumn orchards,

glory days!

Later, in dappled shade,

in a small bed off the porch,

I am transplanted.

Remember me.

Look for me among the flowers.

-Danna Smith, 2023