Evangelist Alice Smith Jones Thomas

Evangelist Alice Smith Jones Thomas, 77, of Holly Springs, died August 10, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Union County. She attended Mt. Moriah MB Church and was retired from Rust College after 46 years.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on August 16 at John A. Elam Chapel on the campus of Rust College. Rev. J.W. Smith Jr. will officiate. J.F. Brittenum and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

She leaves a daughter, Cherise Sumlar of Nashville, Tenn.; sons, Avery Jerome Smith of Nashville, Marcus Edward Lewis of Holly Springs; stepchildren, Katerine Burgess, Lynette Burgess, Angela Sumlar, Cathy Wells, Diane Wells, Craig Davis, Brian Sumlar; sister, Pauline Sipp of Las Vegas, Nev.; brother, Statie Smith Jr. of Holly Springs; and 14 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her spouses, John Lee Sumlar, James H. Lewis, Lennon Jones, Prophet Stephen O'Neal Thomas; daughter, Lekesia Jenkins; brothers, Willie Lee Smith, John Wesley Smith and Albert Smith.