Mrs. Annie Belle McDowra McAlister left this earth Monday, to join her loving husband, Lester L. (Mac) McAlister and their youngest son, William C. McAlister, in God’s heavenly paradise.
She was born in Giles County, TN, into the family of Birt and Helen McDowra, who eventually had nine girls and two boys. The family moved to Austinville, AL, where all the children went to the local school, everyone did their farm chores, including the girls who also had to do the laundry, sewing, and cooking, and the family attended the Church of Christ.
Soon after moving to Huntsville in 1954, Annie Belle became involved in many community activities, taking classes at the Rehabilitation Center and the Civil Defense Group to give first aid to the injured. She was also a member of the Huntsville-Madison County Civil Defense and became a Warden in the Women’s Warden Corps. Joining the Hospitality Club and playing Canasta with her beloved friends for many years was her favorite activity. She was also a long-time member of the Blossomwood Garden Club and held every level of leadership until her health started declining.
However, she felt nothing could compare to being surrounded by her loving family and friends, attending cookouts, having canasta parties, or domino parties with the men, enjoying all the family activities during the holidays. But, not all was good or pleasant. In 1965, the youngest son, William Carter, died at age 14, devastating the family and friends. She and her husband were long time members of the Mayfair Church of Christ where love and help were poured to them from their wonderful friends. Unfortunately, not all good things last long. Lester died in 1994 and her health started declining in the 2000s.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lester L. “Mac” McAlister; son, William C. McAlister; grandson, Cole E. McAlister of Guntersville, AL, and seven sisters and two brothers.
Survivors include children, Helen A. McAlister; son, Larry McAlister and wife, Nancy, of Guntersville; grandchildren, Meredith Layton, Cathryn McAlister and Scott Moody; great-grandchildren, Christy A. Layton, Brandon S. Moody, Abbey Jayne Moody, Coplin and Nelson Cole Leithead; sister, Charles “Charlie” Mills and husband, George, of Decatur; and many nieces and nephews.
The family is most grateful to Gentiva Hospice for providing such proficient and compassionate caregivers during the past months.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Saturday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 12 noon at Maple Hill Cemetery with George F. Mills officiating.
