Alice Louise Falkenham

November 30, 1933 - September 24, 2020

Alice Louise McCraw Falkenham was born November 30, 1933 in Lakeland, Florida; the daughter of Leslie Curtis and Pearl Vescelus McCraw. After an extended illness, she died September 24, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida. A 1952 graduate of Lakeland Senior High School, she went on attend the Orange Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Orlando, Florida graduating in 1955. Upon graduation she worked as a registered nurse for Orange Memorial Hospital as well as in private practice. She continued her higher education, attending Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida and Florida State University, ultimately obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree. After leaving the private sector she was employed for many years as a civilian with the U.S. Army working primarily in their drug and substance abuse department receiving a number of commendations for outstanding service. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, John Robert Falkenham who was the light of her life. She and John were fortunate enough to spend time in Saudi Arabia where they were able to travel throughout Europe and the Middle East. Although she and John lived in several states during their careers, she always considered Lakeland her home and returned here when she and John retired. Alice felt strongly about the benefits of an education and was an ardent supporter of The Florida Southern College of Arts and the University of South Florida PBS television station. Even though she had no children of her own, she took an interest in many of her nieces and nephews, introducing them to the performing arts and encouraging them to get a good education. Alice is predeceased by her parents and 1 brother, Leslie Curtis McCraw, Jr. She is survived by 2 sisters, Lucille Crosby of Lakeland and Margaret Pederson of New Bern, NC; 1 brother, Jesse McCraw (Carol) of Lakeland; and many, many nieces and nephews. Alice was a member of the church of Christ and attended Lake Gibson church of Christ in Lakeland as regularly as her health would allow. Her mission in life was helping people.