Alice Marie Surber

Alice Marie Surber, 82, was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and spent most of her life in Marietta, Georgia. She passed away peacefully at her home on June 16, 2026, in the same neighborhood where she grew up.

Alice was born in 1943 to Hugh Alexander Smith and Loutis Marie Smith. She graduated from Sprayberry High School and later worked as a petite fashion model and then retired from ADP as an Administrative Assistant. In 1964, she married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Surber, and together they welcomed their beloved daughter, Susan Surber McGary, in 1968.

Alice became involved with the Miss Cobb County Pageant in 1989 because of putting Susan in pageants for years and went on to serve with Miss Cobb for 37 years. This became one of the most meaningful chapters of her life. Alice loved supporting young women and cherished the relationships she built through her years of service.

Family was always at the center of Alice’s life. She was a devoted mother who faithfully supported Susan in every activity and endeavor. She was also an active member of the PTA and enjoyed investing her time in her community. Alice loved scrapbooking and sewing, preserving memories and creating treasures for those she loved. She adored her granddaughter, Kaleigh, and was her biggest supporter and encourager throughout every stage of life. Alice was also a passionate fan of the Atlanta Braves, Georgia Bulldogs, and Alabama Crimson Tide.

Alice is survived by her granddaughter, Kaleigh Marie McGary; son-in-law, Wayne McGary; sister, Mary Ruth Phelps; brother, Eugene Smith; sister-in-law, Ann Smith; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Marie McGary; brothers, Hollis Smith and Rubble Smith; sister, Dorothy Stein; parents, Hugh Alexander Smith and Loutis Marie Smith; and former husband, Lawrence Surber.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta. Funeral will be July 1st, 2026 at 2pm with a visitation at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Miss Cobb County Scholarship Program.