Alice Willerstein Rains

Mrs. Alice W. Rains, the Mother of Congressman George T. Leland III and William G. Leland. The daughter of the late Armstrong and Ambrilas Cooper Lewis was born in Richmond, Virginia, May 2, 1923. She was one of two children. Mrs. Rains was married to the late George Thomas Leland II who was a soldier in the United States Army. To this union two children were born, George and William. After the passing of George Thomas Leland II, Mrs. Rains was married to the late Dr. David Rains who was an educator. She received a High School Diploma from St. Peter Claver at San Antonio, Texas. She received a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Education Degree from Texas Southern University. Alice served thirty-five years in the Houston Independent School District. She served as a teacher. She served as a curriculum coordinator. She served as a supervisor. She served as a principal. Believing in good government, Alice Rains a Christian, worked diligently as a civic leader and was an active member of Parent-Teacher Association and Cub Scouts of America, serving as Den Mother. She was a member of the NAACP and lifetime member of the Democratic National Committee. She served as a volunteer worker and Board Member of Child Advocates, Interfaith Ministries and Target Hunger. Alice was a member of Houston Association of School Administrators, receiving numerous certificates and awards, Outstanding Volunteer (Inter Faith Ministries); Outstanding Educators Award – Gamma Phi Sigma Chapter Sigma Gamma RHO Sorority, Inc.; Certificate of Appreciation-Impact II-HISD Houston's Teacher to-Teacher Network; Outstanding Services to Literacy Advance of Houston; Certification-Reading Conference conducted at University of Notre Dame Center for continuing education. Her social club membership included: The Tejas Social Club, The Windsomettes Social Club and the Bonanza Group. She is preceded in death by her sister, Valerie Dell Richards and son, George. She is survived by a host of relatives; loving friends, grandchildren and one son, William Gaston Leland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to The Leland Center at Texas Southern University in her memory.