STEPHENSON, Alyce Blair Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully on July 17. Alyce was vibrant, strong, funny and loving. She fought every obstacle with bravery and strength, especially in her last years and months. Affectionately known as Momma and Abby, her wit and wisdom, joyful smile, spunky energy and sparkling blue eyes will always be remembered by those who knew her. Born August 25, 1929 in Du Quoin IL; raised in Carrollton MO, she remained connected to a close-knit group of friends from Carrollton often visiting one another in locations across the U.S. or returning to Missouri for special reunions. Initially working for the old Denver General Hospital in the administrative offices she soon followed one of her brothers to Texas and worked as a statistician for Baylor Hospital. Introduced to Bill at a wedding, they went out on a first date the following week and never looked back. Alyce and Bill were married in 1954 and loved to travel together. While they had the opportunity to explore many extraordinary sites around the world, they had a special fondness for the Rocky Mountains, specifically, the YMCA Camp of the Rockies in Estes Park CO where the family spent a great deal of time together. She loved organizing family vacations, planning everything to the last detail, always making sure both the trip and final destination were full of fun and memorable activities. An avid reader, she delighted in gifting books to others. She could browse in a bookstore for hours. She enjoyed golf, something she and Bill shared at home and on courses in the US and abroad. It was never about how well they played, it was the adventure of playing a new course, meeting new people and having fun. She was a devoted fan of SMU Mustang football and basketball. As a minister's wife, Alyce became familiar with moving the family to a new home. She always immersed herself in their new church, becoming involved with the UMW and other committees, building lifetime friendships along the way. She especially made sure her daughters found their own place in the new community and faithfully supported their endeavors-school activities, lessons, rehearsals, performances, special events, and eventual careers. Professionally, she served in various roles for over 20 years with both Dallas and Plano School Districts, gaining special friendships that lasted through the years. She had a keen interest in the students, encouraging them to think and dream beyond the obvious when it came to college or vocational choices, regardless of their circumstances. A devoted grandmother, trips to visit or babysit brought her tremendous joy and she relished in sending "prizes" even if just a little something to make them feel special or put a bit of sunshine in their day. Preceded in death by her husband of 53 years Dr. William T. Stephenson; parents Jessie and Lee Blair; three brothers Bill and Frank Blair, Herbert Hofmann; and, infant daughter Dana Lynn Stephenson. Survived by daughters: Jill Stephenson of Dallas, Laurie Stephenson Caliguire and son-in-law Todd Caliguire of Franklin Lakes NJ, and Sharon Boeye of Boulder CO; grandchildren: Sarah Kate Caliguire, Chris Boeye, Jennifer Boeye Murcin and Phillip Boeye. The family extends our immense gratitude to all those who loved and cared for her through the years; thank you for being part of her journey. Special thanks to her doting teams at both Plaza at Edgemere and UTSW. A service of celebration and thanksgiving will be held Thursday, August 9 at the Highland Park United Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Methodist Children's Home in Waco TX and to the Dorsey Museum-YMCA Camp of the Rockies in Estes Park CO.