(May 30, 2009) - On May 19, God called Alice Redfern home after a lengthy illness. Alice was born on Feb. 12, 1922, in Howardsville, Va., to the late Albert Hocker and Bessie Scott. She was the sixth of 10 children and received her education in the Howardsville school system.
At an early age, Alice migrated to Baltimore, Md., to live with her aunt. Alice began her employment as a domestic worker in 1938. Several years later she married Frank Nicholson and from that union three children were born: Bernice, Shirley and Frank.
Alice gave her life to Christ and joined The Emmanuel Christian Community Church in 1949. She
was a faithful member for 60 years. She held several offices, including president and vice president for the Steward Board, Courtesy Circle and was instrumental in starting the Pastor’s Aide under the leadership of Pastor Emeritis Rev. Dr. Sidney Daniels.
After 40 years of service on the Steward Board, Alice stepped down to work in other ministries. In addition, Alice was a member of the Order of Calanthe, Knights of Pythias, where she held the office of Grand Worthy Inspector for many years.
“Madera,” as she was affectionately known, was a loving and compassionate person. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. They especially enjoyed her homemade sweet potato and
lemon meringue pies. She would always call and check on her friends, especially the seniors, and she would send beautiful cards for any occasion. She would not forget a birthday, anniversary or any other special event. Her beautiful smile and words of wisdom were counted on by all. Her favorite saying was, “Give me my flowers while I’m still living” and Psalm 27 was her favorite scripture.
Alice was a loving mother and leaves to cherish her memory: three devoted children, Bernice McNair-Pope, Shirley Ingram and Frank Hocker; two sons-in-law, Deacon James Ingram, Noah Pope; one daughter-in-law, Diane Hocker; a devoted nephew, like a son, Willie Banks; one sister, Annie Blakey; a brother, James Hocker; seven grandsons, nine grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, special friends Loretta Bond, Geraldine Morris, Jessie Stephens and James Smith and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.