Alice J. Rush

Alice Jones Rush

Sunrise March 8, 1936-Sunset May 19. 2023

Alice Jones Rush was born March 8, 1936, to Willa Lucretia Hankerson and Major Adolphus Jones.  She attended Bolton Elementary School, Alexander Hamilton Jr. High, and John Adams High School, in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Loved ones who preceded Alice in death include; her father Major Adolphus Jones, stepfather William A. Clark, mother Willa Lucretia Hankerson Clark.

Alice leaves a legacy of educational excellence which began at Ohio University in the fall of 1953 and lasted throughout her lifetime.  She graduated from Ohio University in June of 1957 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education.

While at Ohio University, Alice took pipe organ lessons as an elective.  The lessons uncovered a hidden talent and a passion for playing the organ which remained throughout her life.  Most notably, Alice played the organ for more than sixty years at Lee Road Baptist Church where she could also be seen directing the choir and leading worship on Sunday mornings in the main sanctuary.

Alice also served as a dedicated teacher in Greater Cleveland.  She began her career at C.W. Chesnut Outhwaite and ended her career at Emile B. De Sauze Elementary School.  During this time, Alice Jones became Alice Rush after marrying her beloved husband, Roscoe on February the 20th day of 1963.  Alice and Roscoe Rush were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Irene and Angela, who loved their mom dearly.  Irene and Angela had many close friends and family whose joy and laughter frequented and filled the Rush home over the span of many years. Mrs. Rush was like a second mom and mentor to many.

Even though Alice had no siblings, God blessed her with many sisters through her affiliation with Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated, and lots of love from the large Rush family. Although small but mighty, she adored her Hankerson and Jones family and spent many of her retirement years as an unofficial Genealogist researching her lineage. Alice also adopted Connie Childress and the Jim Walkers’ families as her own. 

Alice fondly remembered summer vacations as a special time for family fun with Roscoe, Irene, and Angela.  One vacation most memorable was her trip to Washington DC for the 100th Centennial Boule of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated. In addition to being the church organist, Alice was proud to have presided as President of the Membership Involvement Committee.  She also recounted fond memories as an active member of the Lee Road Baptist Church Couples Club.

Alice lived a life of servitude through her extensive commitment to education, sorority, and church life.  Her beautiful smile and compassionate spirit have left an invaluable impression on the lives of many children, women, families, and friends.  Alice Rush leaves to cherish her loving memory, Roscoe her husband of 60 years, her daughters Irene Michelle Pietrantozzi and Angela Elizabeth Rush, her grandchildren Cassandra Michelle Pietrantozzi, Anthony Weston Rush Pietrantozzi (Victoria Miranda) and a host of family and friends.  Alice will be missed dearly and will forever remain in our hearts.

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