Alice Drake Wentworth Johnson, 79, of Burnsville, NC, passed away May 2, peacefully at her home after a brief illness. Alice was born in Hattiesburg, MS, the daughter of Edward William and Olive Price Wentworth. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Anne Lindsey Wentworth, a son, Daniel Holloway Johnson, and a niece, Emily Carole Harrison.
Alice graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1960 and served as Miss Hospitality for the city of Hattiesburg. She attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she was a member of Chi Omega Fraternity. After graduating from USM with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, she worked at Maison Blanche for two years in New Orleans. Alice taught school for a year in Nashville, TN, and followed her husband’s career around the United States serving as a dedicated doctor’s wife, a mother of three children, and volunteering her time and gifts for numerous jobs and activities in community service. Alice was outgoing and made numerous lifelong friends wherever she went.
After settling in Burnsville NC, Alice became very active in the community, serving as Guardian ad Litem, Library Volunteer, the Yancey County Literacy Board, St. Thomas Episcopal Church member, and a member of PEO. In later life, she was a faithful member of Messiah of the Mountains Lutheran Church.
Alice leaves behind her husband, of 57 years, Dr. David Holloway Johnson, her daughter Meredith (Matthew) Gelman of Annandale, VA, her son Nathan (Emilie) Johnson of Brevard, NC, daughter-in-law Dr. Emily Schley of Norfolk, VA,; sisters Carole (Golson) Harrison, of Hoover, AL, Meredith (Joe) Liggio of Mandeville, LA, sister-in-law Rebecca (Barry) Kempson of West Bath, ME; grandchildren, Lindsay, Gracie, Jack Gelman, of Annandale, VA, Amanda Johnson of Norfolk, VA, and Miles Johnson of Brevard, NC; nieces and nephews, Cameron (Robert) Browning of Arden, NC, Frankie ( Cynthia Lou Tippet) Bolt, of Asheville, NC, Belinda (James) Jockisch of Hoover, AL, Brett Troxler of Baton Rouge, LA, Michele Troxler of Mandeville, LA, Haley Robertson of Greensboro, NC; Godchildren Ben, Noah, and Isabella Davis and many cousins.
Alice will be remembered for her love of family and friends. She leaves behind three Scottish Terrier companions who cherished her every step; Lucy, Sophie, and Archie.
A Celebration of Life will be later in the summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Reconciliation House of Burnsville, NC, www.rec-house.org.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
