Alice Marie Nichols Hervey was born in Conway, Arkansas, on May 16, 1927, to the union of Roy and Beather Knox Nichols, the third of her parents' seven children. She was educated at Pine Street School, graduating in the spring of 1944. Alice confessed a hope in Christ at an early age, was baptized into the faith in 1938 by Rev. L.C. Williams, and became a member of the Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church in Conway, now Ebenezer Christian Church. She later united in marriage to Loyd Joe Hervey, and a son, Lloyd Edward Hervey, was born from their union.
Throughout her professional life, Alice performed domestic work, and she later retired from the University of Central Arkansas’ maintenance department after more than twenty years of dedicated service. She passionately pursued a wide array of hobbies, from fishing and canning to participating in the Faulkner County Fair, where she often won “blue ribbons” for her culinary skills. Alice was an avid sports fan and puzzle-solver. She also played with a community women’s basketball team in the 1950s.
Affectionately known as “Mama A” by her grandchildren and those close to her, Alice had a remarkable gift for singing. Her beautiful contralto voice graced the congregation at Ebenezer in her youth, and she remained an active choir member until her health no longer permitted it. Her devotion to her church extended beyond music. She served as church custodian, Communion Steward, the Genesis House Ministry, Church Matriarch, Lay Member of the Arkansas Annual Conference, church historian, a member of the culinary ministry, and President of Ebenezer’s United Methodist Women. Alice’s desire for unity among believers was evident in her participation with Church Women United, a non-profit organization encouraging women of various denominations to unite in service and fellowship. She received the “Valiant Woman Award” in 2005 from this organization.
On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, “Mama A” departed this life peacefully after a lengthy illness, entering her eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Beather Knox Nichols; her four brothers, Roy, Jr., Jimmie, Lavelle, and Hayes Richard; her two sisters, Mary Louise and Rosa Anna; two nephews and a niece. She leaves behind a legacy of faith and love to be cherished by her son, Lloyd Edward (Verna); her grandchildren, Stephanie Alicia (Cedric), Christopher Reuel (Yolanda), and Lloyd Edward II; her two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Harlem Bae; six nephews, six nieces, and many grand-nephews and nieces.
Family, as we reflect on her life, we are reminded that her story was not only one of labor and love but also of tenacious strength, faith, and unwavering devotion to God, family, and those around her. She leaves behind memories and a legacy of faith and perseverance for us to carry forward. Her life reminds us that it is not the length of days but the depth of our devotion to God and others that define a well-lived life. Thus, we can honor her memory and legacy by deepening our faith, becoming more active in our faith communities, finding ways to serve others as she did, regularly gathering to celebrate one another as family, and performing acts of kindness, whether it’s helping a neighbor, volunteering, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in need. So, as we say, “See you in the morning, Mama A,” may we be inspired to live out our faith with the same grace and love she generously gave. She rests safely in the arms of the One she faithfully served, and we give thanks. “God has spoken, so let the Church say, Amen!”
Walk-thru visitation will be held 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at the funeral home chapel.
Celebration of Life Services will be held 11:00 am, Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Greater Pleasant Branch Baptist Church, 601 Spruce Street, Conway, AR.
Interment Robinson Cemetery in Conway, AR.
Services entrusted to Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home, 910 Walnut Street, Conway, AR. "IN YOUR TIME OF NEED...WE CARE."
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Alice Marie Nichols Hervey, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
2
Oct
910 Walnut
Conway, AR 72032
Service
3
Oct
601 Spruce Street
Conway, AR 72032
Cemetery Details
Location
Ingram Street
Conway, AR 72032
