Louise M. (Cleveland) Trice

Herstory

     On August 29, 1930, you may have seen a bright and shining star in the sky. It was our earthly miracle, the birth of our amazing mother, Minnie Louise. She entered the world during a heatwave in Straven, Alabama born to Percy Cleveland and Occie Bell Williams. Louise spent her childhood in West Blocton, Alabama with her grandparents, Carrie B. and Andrew Charlie Holt, affectionately known as “Big Momma and A.C”. She was the light of everyone’s lives and was spoiled relentlessly. Her cousins often teased her because she was showered with beautiful clothes and had not one, but two bikes to ride!  If you knew Louise, you’d know that she kept a humble heart and spirit due to her Christian faith and upbringing. She confessed her love for Christ at an early age and was baptized in the river in her hometown. 

     As a celebratory nod to the history of blacks during this time, Louise graduated from Bibb County Training School which was founded by a prominent Black educator. It wasn’t long before she, too, would join others in the Great Migration and seek a new life up north. After living in Dayton, Ohio for a while she settled in Cleveland, Ohio living with her family and held a job as a domestic worker. It didn’t take her long to spread her melodious voice by joining the choir at Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Leon Lawrence, where they would often sing at other churches around the city. Louise became a devoted member and served in the choir and served on the Mother’s Board, at Unity Baptist Church, until she no longer could.

     Louise worked as a lunch aid in the Cleveland Public Schools system, where she was loved by many students. She attended Dragon Police Academy and was certified to be a security officer.  She worked in downtown Cleveland at the Mid-Day Club and Federal Building, retiring in the early 90s. In her spare time, she loved to play bingo, cook, and spend time with family. She had a special relationship with her sisters and cousins and whenever they got together they always had a good time. 

     From loving relationships, Louise had 6 children before meeting and marrying William “Bill” Trice in 1969. From this union, she had her last child and led a blended family of 12, which included Karen, Steven, Ronnie, William “J.J,”(deceased), and Ralphine. Louise and Bill celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in April 2019. 

     August 29th  marked Louise’s 90th birthday!  Even in the midst of a pandemic, her family made sure that she was celebrated and honored. Louise had carloads of family and friends participate in her driveby birthday celebration. She waved, smiled, danced, and sang her heart out! It was such a joyous occasion, as she was surrounded by loved ones.  She was so excited to see everyone and had a really great time. 

     Louise was preceded in death by her husband William Trice and daughter Beverly Joyce. She leaves to cherish her memory, sisters: Eula and Patricia (Ernest-deceased); children Marcia Hood (Greg), Steven Smith Sr., Karen Carlisle (Ronald-deceased) Donna Smith, Robyn King (Jerald), and Alain Trice Sr. (Katrina); grandchildren: Ebony,  Erika, Robert, Steve II, Antoine, Briana, Tyre, Daniqwa, Jerald, Alain Jr, Justin, and Delona. She had blended family grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom she loved dearly. 

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