Alice Carroll Josey

Alice Carroll Josey finished the race well and went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 18, 2024, surrounded by her family at the age of 86. Her death has left an immense hole in the lives of her loved ones, but they find solace and peace in the fact that she is home with her Savior.

Alice was born in Bryan, Texas, on October 26, 1937, to Robert Lamar Carroll and Elva Henderson Carroll. As a young girl, she was involved in 4H and choir. She was the only daughter surrounded by two brothers, and as a result she developed the grit and tough spirit that she was so well known for. She later went on to care for her mother and father when they fell ill, faithfully serving them until they passed while still caring for her own family. 

Alice first met Rodney Smith who she married in 1956. After he died in service to our country, and with two young boys to care for, she moved back to Bryan. There she met Jimmy who became the love of her life, and they married on May 18, 1962. They raised their three children, Scott, Keith, and Sandi, in Hempstead, Texas. They developed deep roots in the community as well as First Baptist Church. Alice was especially skilled at the piano and was the church pianist for years. She loved to liven up the service with her beautiful and sometimes jazzy renditions. She and Jimmy led Sunday School, worked with the Youth, and were involved in the choir their entire time while in Hempstead. Their devotion and commitment to others was such an example of Christ. They were generous with their time and talents and helped so many that were in need. They traveled the world together, served their community together, and Alice even helped Jimmy with his insurance business while also raising their three kids. When Jimmy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the end of his life, she faithfully served and loved him until the end of his days. They shared a deep and rare love, and it is no coincidence that she went to be reunited with him on what would have been their 62nd wedding anniversary. Alice was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She and Jimmy hosted “cousin camp” every summer for their grandchildren where they created life lasting memories together.

Alice was a true matriarch of her family. Many who knew her would describe her as a “force of nature”. She was fearless, tenacious and faced any challenge with grace and love. She was not afraid to tell you exactly what she thought, and you knew when you had done something wrong when “the look” came out. Anyone who knows her knows that she rarely sat still or stopped, and even up until the end of her life she maintained her sassy spirit. She carried the torch for her family in so many ways. From gathering extended family for reunions, to reminding others of anniversaries and birthdays, to sharing about the history and legacy of family members that came before her, she was always present and active in the lives of her family and friends. She was sharp as a tack, always able to remember the small details, and she was the first to respond with a jest, witty remark, or a playful pinch or “love tap”. Her sense of humor was unmatched, and she passed her love for joking or a well-timed jest down to the rest of her family. Alice was an avid piano player, frequently found playing hymns and songs by ear, while also using her piano skills to wake her grandchildren up when they overslept at cousin camp. She had a deep love for Texas A&M, so much so that she recently got her “sweetheart ring” from the alumni association. Her and Jimmy are commemorated in an engraved etching in the Association of Former Students Alumni Center, a forever tribute to their love for Texas A&M. She was an excellent domino and bridge player, and knew how to make the best chocolate cream pie. She was an incredible cook, and you could always count on her to pull out some fudge, chocolate bars, or Blue Bell with Oreos after dinner. She was a guidepost of sorts for her family, one who led and served them well until the end.

Alice was also a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. She lived a legacy of faithfulness to him and to serving him in every facet of life, and she passed her faith on to her family. She did everything with intention, always filtered through the purpose of serving Christ and making him known. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Bryan Church, as well as First Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, where they lived after retirement. Her grandchildren loved to tease her about her habit of pulling out Proverbs to read when they were gathered together, often using the verses as a teachable moment for them. She also would frequently quote scripture when challenged on something, such as when asked why they had to do chores that day; “why put off tomorrow what can be done today”. 

Alice was a once in a lifetime kind of person. Her grit, tenacity, wit, and love will be dearly missed. Her deep love and presence filled such a space in the lives of those who knew her that her absence has left a deep hole. She will be remembered and celebrated by those who knew her as they continue to carry on her legacy of faith, service, and love that she has left behind. She is preceded in death by her first husband Rodney Hart Smith, beloved late husband, Jimmy Milton Josey, her parents Robert Lamar Carroll and Elva Henderson Carroll, her brother and sister-in-law, Lamar Henderson Carroll and Linda Cobb Carroll. She leaves behind her brother, Bobby Carroll and his wife Jean and her three children, Scott Josey, Keith Josey and his wife Judy, and Sandi Bainbridge and her husband Doug. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Daniel and Erica Josey, Grant and Katy Josey, Emily and Hayden Smith, Luke Josey, Zach Josey, Reese Josey, Sarah and Matt Wilkins, David Bainbridge, Jonathan Bainbridge, and Andrew and Sarah Bainbridge, as well as her great grandchildren River Josey, Jimmy Josey, Brave Josey, Sage Josey, Cameron Wilkins, and Jones Wilkins, all of whom will miss her dearly.

A special memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Bryan, Texas, on May 31, 2024, at 1:00pm in the College Life Space with a reception to follow in the Atrium.