01/23/2025
Mother Alice Hilliard was born on March 24th, 1921, in Lewisville AR to Johnny and Emma Ford where she grew up on her grandfather Jack Ford's plantation on hurricane hill, Alice was the youngest of ten siblings and attended Wooden City School in Lewisville AR, she accepted Christ at an early age at The Union Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of JH Wyatt.
Mother Alice relocated to Richmond California in 1942 in search of a better life. She landed a position at the Kaiser Shipyard During WWII, where she took on jobs typically done by men while they served in the Military, because of her dedication and hard work, she was given the Special Title of “Rosie The Riveter” and even had the pleasure of being interviewed and featured in the book “Staging Migrations Toward An American West” Written by: Marta Effinger-Crichlow, Published Oct. 7, 2014. Her endeavors didn’t stop there. She went on to work at the Dole Cannery and Aebi Nursery where she finally retired.
Mother Alice had a great passion for gardening, (always attending to her rose bushes), Loved Traveling with her Family, Sewing and was a great cook.
Upon moving to Richmond CA mother Alice joined Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Led by Nathaniel Phanor, she was a dedicated member for over 70 years serving in many auxiliaries including the Women’s Mission Union, Baptist Training Union and the Chair of The Kitchen Committee until her illness. She loved her Church Family.
Alice is survived by seven sisters and two brothers who preceded her in death, a host of nieces nephews cousins and friends, despite not having any children of her own she played a significant role in helping raise her sister Floria’s eleven children, and her brother's two children Ellis Ford and Lola Lee. In addition, her Great Nephew and Niece, Johnathan and Elyce Jones with whom she baby sat and held a special bond.
Thank you for your service, Alice. May you rest in peace.