“Alice the Great”
On the last day of Winter, March 20, 1940, Alice Hubbard Bush was born on Old Selma Road in Montgomery, Alabama to the late Willie Hubbard and Catherine Williams. She and her siblings enjoyed the rural south in the Klondike Baptist Church Community.  She was the third of four children and early in life she was affectionately known as “Mama Lou” and to some “Lil Alice”.  Sister Bush always celebrated her birthday on July 4th because that was when her official family records were recognized in Montgomery County, Alabama.

Alice moved with her family to the east side of Akron, Ohio in the 1940s, where she and her younger brother Willie attended Akron Public Schools.   With her quick wit, she quickly won new friends and adapted to Ohio living.  Alice worked in many jobs in the Akron area including Barefoot Sole Corporation in Wadsworth.  At Barefoot, she developed a reputation as a dependable downstream seamstress in the fast-paced production line for rubber shoe soles until her retirement.

As a naturally affectionate person, Alice made it her mission to help others and she passed on her blessings whenever possible. During her career, she provided senior care services for many elder citizens in our community. In addition, we will remember that Alice was proud to help many young working families with childcare due to her great appreciation and love for children. Alice placed an indelible mark of confidence on every child she kept as evidenced by many who gave her credit for their solid foundation of success.  Alice loved the Lord and was a dedicated and faithful member of Mt. Haven Missionary Baptist Church for over a half-century. She joined the church under the spiritual leadership of Reverend Benjamin Henderson and continued to serve until her transition.  Alice was married to Eddie W. Bush and God blessed them to be a loving couple for 50 plus years.

As Matriarch of the family, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren (who named her “Alice the Great”), and now great-great grandchildren looked up to her.   From her homemade Southern-style meals to the holiday gatherings where she fed many, Ma’s hospitality will truly be missed.

Preceded in death were her parents Willie Hubbard and Catherine Williams; sister, Mary Felder, brothers, Richard Brooks, Sr., and Willie Hubbard, Jr.; daughter, Brenda A. Bush.

Carrying on her legacy of love is her devoted husband Eddie W. Bush; children, Sandra (Samuel) DeShazior, Allen Wayne Hubbard, Starlett D. (Damon, Sr.) Mitchell, Debbie, Rhonda, Nathaniel, and Marvin Bush and Mary Ann Bates; 24 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Also cherishing her memory is lifelong friend Penny Brown.