Alice U. Smith, 91, of Galesburg, Illinois, went to be with the Lord, at 12:41 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2025, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Alice was born March 9, 1934, in Georgiana, Alabama, the daughter of Melvin and Velma (Gipson) Mims, Sr. She married James E. Smith in Galesburg, Illinois. Alice is survived by two daughters, Darlene (Rev. Robert) Smith-Donaldson of Galesburg and Angela Smith of Tamarac, Florida; five sons, James Smith of Peoria, Illinois, Michael Smith of Galesburg, Tommy Smith of Joliet, Illinois, Tony Smith and Keith Smith both of Galesburg; seven grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren. Alice is also survived by one brother, Rev. John H. (Vicki) Mims of Quincy, Illinois; and two sisters, Dorothy Wilson and Gloria Williams both of Galesburg. Along with her parents, Alice was preceded in death by two brothers, Clyde Mims and Melvin Mims, Jr; and two sisters, Rosie Lewis and Imeater Davidson.
Alice was never afraid of hard work. She worked as a cook for many years. She managed a small restaurant on West Berrien in 1976. Her other notable places were Augies, Knox Manor, and Marigold Nursing Home. She retired in 1998. Her love of cooking carried into her home. She enjoying creating wonderful meals to share with her family and friends. She was a faithful Christian and was a long standing member at Second Baptist Church in Galesburg. In her free time, Alice enjoyed tending to her many house plants.
Visitation will be 2-3 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral Services will follow at 3 p.m. Rev. Robert Donaldson will officiate. Burial will follow at East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Alice’s memory to Star of Bethlehem Church or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
