A memorial celebration for Mary Alice Abney Gammage will be held April 4, 2025, at the Leland Methodist Church with a visitation at 12:00 p.m. and a service following at 1:00 p.m. A family burial will be held at the Montrose Cemetery. She died peacefully at her residence at the Ellison Assisted Living Facility in Oxford, Mississippi, on March 14, 2025. She lived a full and amazing 106 years. Arrangements are under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Leland.
Mrs. Gammage was born November 30, 1918, the daughter of Marietta Alexander Abney and James William Abney of Montrose, Mississippi. World War I had just ended days before her birth, and her father returned home just in time. She had a happy childhood in Montrose with her younger sister and brother, Margaret and Jamie. Alice attended Montrose School and graduated as Valedictorian of her class. After two years at East Central Junior College, she enrolled at Mississippi State College for Women and enjoyed her junior and senior years there. She graduated with a BS in Home Economics and taught in the Jackson School System. Alice also was a teacher of high-risk children at the Preventorium at Sanatorium, the Mississippi State Hospital for tuberculosis patients. In 1943, she began working for Delta Airlines and continued through WWII. She often talked about her time at Delta, and how much she enjoyed it.
Alice was reacquainted with John Gammage during a visit to Montrose. He had been discharged from the US Navy, and after a brief courtship, they married in 1946. They lived in Jackson, MS, and New Orleans while Mr. Gammage worked for the US Forestry Service. He was transferred to the forestry department at Stoneville, MS, and they began their life in Leland in the early 1950s.
After the death of Mr. Gammage, Alice worked for the Washington County Welfare Department until she retired in 1986. She enjoyed traveling after retirement and made many trips with special friends to countries all over the US, Europe, and Asia. The extended family beach vacation was a highlight every year, and Alice didn’t miss a beach trip until she was 103.
Mrs. Gammage was a member of the Leland Junior Auxiliary, the Leland Garden Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and her book club. Alice also loved being a part of a wonderful group of friends in their Birthday Club. She was an avid reader and expert crossword puzzle solver. She was a great fan of the Ole Miss Rebels and loved watching or listening to every game!
Alice was a member of the Leland Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. She loved serving others and could always be found in the kitchen anytime the church prepared a meal. Alice hosted a Bible study group at her home every Thursday morning for many years.
She is preceded in death by her husband, John; her sister, Margaret Abney Moss; her brother, James Abney; and her great-granddaughter, Lucy Rives Williford. Alice is survived by her daughter Margaret DuBois and husband, Tra of Leland MS; daughter Mary Anne Narmour and her husband Greg of Oxford MS; her grandchildren Scott Cox, Leah Williford (Judson), John DuBois, Drew Narmour (Melody), and Rob Narmour (Bri), and her six great grandchildren. Alice was especially fond of her four nieces and three nephews and numerous great nieces and grand nephews.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at the Ellison Assisted Living Facility, the friends she made while living there, and the especially compassionate staff of Gentiva Hospice.
Donations may be made to the Leland Methodist Church, PO Box 129, Leland, MS 38756; the Cross of the Flatlands, PO Box 87, Leland, MS. 38756, or the charity of your choice. Alice’s life will continue in service to others.