Carolyn Jean Alice

Carolyn Jean Alice, born December 22, 1951, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, surrounded by loved ones and cherished memories.

Carolyn’s life was defined by her warmth, humor, and devotion to family. On May 18, 1996, she married the love of her life, John Alice. For 29 wonderful years, John and Carolyn built a life together filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering companionship. Their story began when John, on a fishing trip with Carolyn’s uncle, asked her to go out dancing. From that moment, they were inseparable—married just months later and always side by side.

One of Carolyn’s greatest joys was the spontaneous adventures she shared with John. They often hopped in the car with no particular destination in mind, simply happy to be together. On one such trip, they found themselves in Branson, Missouri, where they explored the wax museum, marveled at the Titanic exhibit, and posed for countless photos in their Arkansas Razorback shirts. Another treasured memory was their trip to Florida to visit their oldest grandchildren, which included a magical time at Disney World and Clearwater Beach.

Carolyn was a devoted mother to her two children, Amanda Machel Neal and Clarence “Bubba” Allen. Though life brought challenges, Carolyn’s love never wavered. She was a constant source of support for Machel, offering her daughter a safe place to come home to whenever she needed it. With Bubba, their relationship grew stronger over the years, transforming from friction into a close bond in adulthood—something Carolyn treasured deeply.

Perhaps one of Carolyn’s greatest joys and legacies was raising her grandchildren. She became the legal guardian of her two oldest grandchildren, Brittney and Micheal Neal, and raised them as her own alongside John. In many ways, Carolyn saw this as a second chance to pour her heart into parenting, and she dedicated herself fully to giving them a loving, stable home. She taught them honesty, loyalty, kindness, and, just as importantly, how to embrace joy through things like late-night marathons of Stargate SG-1, Hercules, Xena, and especially The Lord of the Rings—a love she and Bubba bonded over.

Mike, in particular, cherished her unconditional support. He knew she loved him deeply because she never told him just what he wanted to hear, but what he needed to hear. And she was always willing to make his favorite meal—her scalloped potatoes and pork chops—whenever he asked. For Brit and Mike, Carolyn was not only a grandmother, but a mother, teacher, and guiding light. She instilled in them the belief that real wealth wasn’t measured in money, but in the love of family and the memories you make along the way. To be truly rich, she taught, was to be surrounded by those you love and to cherish every moment together. Brit and Mike will always carry their grandmother’s influence with them, grateful for the countless ways she shaped their lives.

Carolyn’s family grew even larger through Bubba’s children—Austin, Harleyann, and Jaxton. Austin and Harley especially spent many joyful days at Carolyn’s home when they were young. Carolyn delighted in seeing Austin trail after Mike like his “little shadow,” and her heart overflowed as her grandchildren filled the house with laughter. She especially loved Christmastime, when she transformed the yard into a winter wonderland with lights and inflatable decorations. Austin and Harley would run around excitedly with Carolyn’s little dogs in tow, while Brit and Mike helped her set up the tree inside—traditions that made every holiday sparkle with magic.

Her kitchen was another place where Carolyn’s love came to life. She was known for her incredible cooking—Thanksgiving meant staying up all night baking pies and preparing feasts. Her Mandarin Orange Cake, potato salad, and deviled eggs were legendary in the family. Everyone knew the joy of sneaking a bite of her deviled eggs before the meal, only to be met with her playful warnings about beating them back with a spoon before they ate them all.

Carolyn also had a gift for humor. She loved telling funny stories, though she rarely made it to the end of them—more often than not, she would start laughing so hard she’d cry, leaving everyone else wheezing with laughter alongside her. It was one of her many ways of filling a room with joy.

Carolyn’s life was a beautiful journey, full of joy, adventure, and love. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose presence lit up every room. She leaves behind her beloved husband, John; her children, Machel and Bubba; her grandchildren, Brittney, Micheal, Austin, Harleyann, and Jaxton; and countless other friends and loved ones who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Her story is one of resilience, laughter, and unconditional love—a legacy that will continue to shine through the family she cherished so deeply.