Alice Ruth Towner



Funeral Services for Alice Ruth Towner, 100, were held Monday, May 20, 2024 @ 11:00am at Butler Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Butler, AL with Rev. Kennith Jefferson presiding. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Alice Ruth Chaney Towner was born on May 11, 1924 in Butler, AL to John Wesley and Eliza Chanie Chaney. She passed away on May 14, 2024 at Brookdale Nursing Home in Meridian, MS. She was preceded in death by her parents; and many of her siblings.

Alice Ruth graduated from Choctaw County Training School in 1945. While still in high school, she began her career in education instructing elementary students and after completing training she became an elementary school teacher in the Shady Grove community in Silas, AL. She went on to study Elementary Education at Alabama State University. Upon graduation, she instructed elementary students for 34 years in the Choctaw County School System.

Alice Ruth was an active and faithful servant of Butler Chapel AME Zion Church where she served as Deaconess; taught youth Sunday School; and led the youth Christian education programs. Alice Ruth was an officer in the AME Zion Christian Education Department; a devoted member of the Henrietta Chapter Order of Eastern Star #151 and their auxiliaries; served as a representative with the Alabama Democratic Conference; and served on many other civic/community organizations, receiving several awards and recognitions for her many years of tireless service.

Alice Ruth was married to Augusta John Towner. They shared 49 years of marriage prior to his passing.

Alice Ruth leaves behind two children, Glenn Towner and Angelina Towner (Turner); a brother, John Henry Chaney; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; five great- great grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.