of Searcy, AR
April 9, 1930 - June 21, 2021
Alice Geneva (Knight) Williams, age 91, of Searcy, passed away on Monday, June 21, 2021 in her home. She was born on April 9, 1930 in Leggett, Texas to Henry and Pearl (Leggett) Knight, but soon after her family moved to Piggott, Arkansas. When Alice was eight years old her mother died, and Alice lived with various families before settling with an aunt during her teenage years.
After finishing high school, Alice went to nursing school at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock and graduated as a Registered Nurse. She worked at the Veteran's Hospital for a time, then spent the next twenty years working for Dr. Ellery Gay in Little Rock, who became a father figure to her.
Alice was 38 when a man was admitted to the hospital, and she was his nurse. She told another nurse that she was going to marry that man, and she did. She and Bert Williams were married on May 25, 1968 and enjoyed thirty years together prior to his death in 1988.
The last half of Alice's life was defined by her role as the Head Nurse of Surgery at Central Arkansas General Hospital in Searcy. Her difficult childhood and career taught her to be uncompromising and determined which made her a great nurse who was determined to do what she knew was best for the patients and the operating room.
Alice was at her best, and the most satisfied, when she was showing love by taking care of others. Her nursing experience and desire to take care of people with serious physical needs made her the perfect person to sit with the elderly and terminally ill after she retired.
Anyone who visited Alice's home could tell she was a Master Gardener. She was also a classic Southern cook, and was often known to prepare someone's favorite dish and deliver to their home.
''It takes a village to raise a child'' was a well known phrase in the 90's. In Alice's case, it took this loving community and an invisible army of angels to keep Alice and others safe in her last years, especially when she refused to give up driving her gold Toyota Avalon.
For the last twenty years, Alice's poodle, Susie was her constant companion, and Alice doted on her as if she was her baby. Alice never knew that Susie preceded her in death by less than 48 hours.
In addition to her parents and husband, Alice was preceded in death by four brothers , Ray Knight, Jim Knight, Ralph Knight and Doyne Knight. Alice is survived by her sister, Daphna Hall and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Online guestbook: rollerfuneralhomes.com/searcy
I met Alice years ago when I became a patient of Dr. Ellery Gay, Sr at the tender age of 10 years old. Have been looking for her for years after losing contact and saddened to find she is no longer with us. She was a caring and great nurse and is certainly missed.
Rest In Peace Alice. You deserve it.
Judith Wimberly
Mrs. Williams was a wonderful and loving friend to my mother, Loretta Banks. My prayers are with the family.
My auntie Honor married James William Knight, Alice’s brother. I met Auntie Alice a few times in Carmel Valley, California. On behalf of all your relatives in California and Portland, Rest In Peace.
From the Mariano’s and Gudoy’s.
My auntie Honor married James William Knight, Alice’s brother. I met Auntie Alice a few times in Carmel Valley, California. On behalf of all your relatives in California and Portland, Rest In Peace.
From the Mariano’s and Gudoy’s.
My heart goes out to Alice's family. She was an exceptional woman and nurse. I was fortunate enough to work with her and to call her friend. Once you worked in Alice's OR you knew how things were supposed to be done. Corners were never cut and while I have worked in much bigger ORs since my time with her, I have never worked in one so professionally run. She was the best! There will never be another like her! We are all going to miss you, Alice.
Alice was a great person, nurse and O R supervisor. As Central Hospital transitioned to more complex surgeries over the years, we all had confidence in outstanding results due to Alice and great surgeons. Thanks for what you gave Alice.
Alice,was a wonderful asset to all the surgeons who knew things would be as they should be in the operating suites as she was a very strict, disciplined director. A dear friend who I will always remember with great fondness. The world is a better place because she lived. Sorry to be unable to attend her service.
I knew Alice for many years and helped with her real estate needs. She was a lovely person and I am sorry to read about her death. I also knew her husband and remember how she missed him so much when he passed away. My prayers are with the family.
We enjoyed many years visiting with Alice and Bert and have good memories, especially of those times on Lake Ouachita.