Alice E. Lawrence

October 13, 1928-October 25, 2024

Alice E. Lawrence, 96, Altoona, was born and raised in the Newburg area of Altoona, she was the youngest of three children born to the late, Albert and Frances (Hogans) Spriggs. Alice married Grover B. Lawrence, Sr. in 1950 in Chicago, IL, he preceded her in death on Dec. 30, 1980.

Surviving are five of her eight children: Stephanie Dorsey, Charles, Matthew, Brian and Timothy Lawrence; she always felt that raising her children was one of her greatest accomplishments in life. At the last count, she is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Alice was preceded in death by three of her children: Grover Jr., Jeffrey and Douglas Lawrence; and her two older brothers: Joseph E. and James E. Spriggs.

In 1948 she received her high school diploma from Altoona High School and worked for years running the elevator at The Penn Alto Hotel. She later retired from Warnaco in Altoona, after working for 40 years as a pre-setter.

Ms. Alice’s mission all through her life was to help whenever called upon; especially Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, her community and the Blair County Branch of the NAACP.

At Mt. Zion, Alice served as a Trustee member, Senior Choir Director and member, The Sallie E. Harris Memorial Missionary Ministry-as the treasurer and a member. In her community, she had served as a board member at Blair County Community Action, Salvation Army, Independent Living, Headstart, Blair County Child Advocate Policy Council, Judge of Voter’s Elections, Blair County Drug and Alcohol, Booker T. Washington Revitalization Corporation and was a former Daughter Ruler of Violet Temple #260. Alice also received accolades from Milestone Ministries, Signs of Hope, and The Wise Women of Blair County among many others.

For decades, she served as Chairwoman of The Executive Board of the NAACP of Blair County under the leadership of the late President, Donald Witherspoon and the late, Vice-President, Bill Sweet. Her role was addressing local and educational racial issues along with countless visits to local state prisons, such as the Blair County Prison and SCI Bellefonte, SCI Huntingdon, SCI Smithfield and SCI Benner.

Alice was a judge of the local TV show, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire of Black History Education,” which originated and was hosted by Mr. Witherspoon. The program was a game show designed to educate the public on the achievements and contributions of African Americans and focused on national and local Black History and aired for over 10 years.

At 96 years of age she held firm with her stance, her beliefs and her trust in God. Always leaning on two quotes from her favorite Gospel hymns: “Only what you do for Christ will last” and “If I can help somebody, then my living shall not be in vain.”

Services for Ms. Alice will be held at a later date.

The family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Alice.

Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.