Alice Taylor Day, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Sanctuary Hospice House after a courageous five-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born in Panola County, MS, to Ben and Martha Ann Taylor, Alice grew up in Como, where she attended Como High School. She played basketball and was awarded the title of Miss Como/Most Beautiful. Alice was a dedicated mother who raised three children, creating a warm and welcoming home for family and friends alike. She worked as Finance Director at South Panola School District before serving as the administrative assistant to the Director of Career and Technical Education at ICC for almost 20 years. In 1990, her job at JESCO for Cooper Tire introduced her to the love of her life, Ronnie Day. Together, Alice and Ronnie enjoyed fishing and traveling in their RV. Alice was a talented cook, treating her family to unforgettable meals and sharing her love through her homemade dishes. Her heart extended to her four-legged friends, especially the abandoned dogs she took in over the years, seven of whom found a home with her and were lovingly spoiled. She was a dedicated member of St. Luke United Methodist Church.
Alice is lovingly remembered by her husband of 34 years, Ronnie Day; her son, Darrell Whitaker (Paula) of Mililani, HI; her daughter, Jacki Barnett (Justin) of Olive Branch, MS; her daughter, Beth Whitaker of Madison, WI; and five grandchildren: Joseph, Jack, and Martha Whitaker, and Zoe and Frankie Barnett.
She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Ted Day (Cathie) of New Smyrna Beach, FL; and many cherished nieces and nephews, including Charles Smith (Pam) of Gluckstadt, MS; Whit Smith (Renata) of Gluckstadt, MS; Julie Lange (Dave) of Batesville, MS; Ginny Irving of Loudon, TN; Linda Thorn (Craig) of Mountain Home, AR; and Teddy Day (Sherry), David Day (Gwen), and Scotty Young (Rachel), all of Tishomingo, MS.
She was preceded in death by her parents and aunts, Mary Ruth Nolley and Ada Taylor.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Rebecca Burnett, Sarah Cooley, and the dedicated staff at Tupelo Regional Rehab and Sanctuary Hospice House for their compassionate care, as well as to the Friendship Class at St. Luke for their kindness and support.
Services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Tupelo, with Reverend Rob Gill officiating. Honorary pallbearers include David Cole (Tupelo), Danny Robbins (Pontotoc), Jim Fitzgerald (Verona), Joe Bailey (Tupelo), Claude Clayton (Tupelo), Chuck Foote (Tupelo), and Katie Thornton (Tupelo). Following the service, inurnment will take place in the church columbarium. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo Chapel is honored to be serving their friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 30, at St. Luke United Methodist Church from 9 AM until the service.
Memorials may be made to The Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177, Tupelo, MS, 38803.
