 I’ve known Alice Ruth Strange since 1993 when we were placed in the same 2nd grade class, and I’ve known her grandma, “Moma,” almost as long. Moma and BB quickly became my Knoxville grandparents, not replacing, but supplementing, the biological grandparents I had that lived so far away. From simple after school afternoons at the Island Home house to our annual summer beach trip, Moma made sure I was welcome...and well fed. Even after I moved away from Tennessee, and my return trips were short and less frequent than I would have liked, a visit to Moma’s place was always on the agenda.  I’m grateful for all the love Moma gave me, and the patience she had with me. I’ll miss her wit, her wisdom, and her warmth. She was a special woman, and I’ll be forever grateful for the way in which she wholeheartedly welcomed me into her family.

I was impressed with Alice before I had even met her.   When her granddaughter Alice and my daughter Nicki became friends in 2nd grade, Mike told me that his parents had moved to Knoxville from Kentucky in order to help with their granddaughter.  At that point I knew I would like her.  Once I actually met her and BB, I continued to be impressed.  Alice was like a grandmother to Nicki and I will never forget her patience, kindness, generosity and love towards my daughter.  Alice and BB welcomed Nicki to holiday meals and even trips to the beach.  Alice's smiling eyes would light up when she would share stories of the girls.  Even after Nicki moved away, she looked forward to going to see Moma when she was back in town.  We will all miss her.  Alice was a classy woman and I am honored to have known her.

She was my hero...literally. Right before our Christmas break (1974) I, my niece & nephew, and two friends were in a car wreck on the way to school. She had a sleepover for the girls’ cheerleader squad. We were hurt really bad. She sheltered us out of the cold, covered us up with blankets from the sleepover to ward off shock until the ambulances arrived. On that particular day, she was our guardian angel.

Mrs.Strange was my chemistry teacher in Frankfort.  I enjoyed the experiments she had us to do especially the day we stunk up the entire lab and had to go outside. My sympathy to Mike and the family.

I remember visiting Aunt Alice & Uncle Bernard by train from Nashville to Frankfurt with Granny McCullough when I was just a little girl. It was my first trip without my parents, so I was on Cloud Nine. I love to travel to this day…and this was the trip that launched my travel bug!

When I was a Junior in high school, Aunt Alice gave me one of the Career Skills tests she used at the high school where she was a councilor. I remember the results said I had good reasoning skills which could translate into a Computer Science major.  At that time, in the 70’s, it wasn’t a career women usually pursued. Ironically, it is what ultimately became my career!

Aunt Alice had the most perfect posture!  I always marveled at it.  She was a sea of calm when she entered a room and her voice…it had the clear, concise, educated diction that made you want to listen to every word. It is no surprise that she was a Valedictorian!  She was a treasure and will be missed.  Rest in peace, Aunt Alice!

Mike,  I am  so heartbroken to see this. “Ms. Alice” as she was known to that very special “group of friends” here in Frankfort, Kentucky was a wonderful lady and my guidance counselor at Franklin County High School. She was a beloved member of First Baptist Church here and we loved your Dad as well. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know for a fact that my mom and dad, Jewell and Willetta Hawkins, along with  Roberta and Lloyd Shannon, Poppy True, Norman Dooley, Peggy Patrick and of course your dad, were there to meet her and had the bridge card tables set up! We in Frankfort love your mom and dad dearly.

As kind and sweet of a woman as they come - “Aunt” Alice was host to some of our fondest memories over the years visiting TN.  Very lucky to have called her Aunt. 

Mike, 

Mrs. Strange was a wonderful teacher, so kind.
Thinking of  you and your family.

Patty Peavler
FCHS Class of 1968

Mike - Our sympathy. Both your mom and dad were great folks.  Many memories of your parents with mine and “the group”. Such a great influence your mom was to me as my chemistry teacher. A life well lived.

Steve and Cheryl Dooley

I am proud to share the Strange name and so glad I had this woman in my life--longer than my own mother. She and BB were always kind and generous to me, even after the divorce, and they were the best grandparents to my daughter. I was lucky they were available and very willing to help me take care of her--after school and even trips to the beach in the summer. I loved my grandparents and am so glad Alice had Moma and BB. I miss them both and wish all who loved her wonderful memories.

I came to know and love Alice “Moma” Strange, through her granddaughter, Alice, and son Mike. Moma welcomed me to her home, thanksgiving table and heart since 2005. She was constantly gracious and warm and always treated me like I was a part of her incredible family. She loved her family tremendously and I loved watching her heart swell  with joy every time she was with Mike, Alice, Aaron or Arlo. Moma was one of the classiest and humble women I’ve ever known. She was a blessing in my life and to all that knew her. Her legacy will never be forgotten. 

OBITUARY

Alice Minta (McCullough) Strange

June 3, 1926 – January 15, 2019

Berry Funeral Home

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