Alice (Darity) Ware

(Due to Covid-19 concerns, all who attend the Funeral Service are REQUIRED to wear a face mask and practice social distancing)

Ms. Alice Darity Ware, affectionately known as “Ms. A”, departed this life peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on Friday, September 23, 2022.

A native of Henderson County, she was born January 22, 1949, to the late Frank Darity, Sr., and Norma Gilliland Darity. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Frank Darity, Jr., sisters Annie L. Coleman, Theresa Darity Williams, and Peggy Ann Darity, husband Rev. Otis Ware, and stepdaughter Vanessa Ware.

Alice attended Ninth Avenue School where she was a member of the Beta Club and Honor Society. She also played on the basketball team and was a cheerleader. She graduated from West Henderson High School in 1967. After graduation, she worked at Olin Corporation for 17 years and retired in 1984.

She was a member of the Onyx Club, a non-profit organization of professional African-American women in Henderson and Buncombe counties that supports needy families and provides scholarships for high school students.

Alice loved to cook and feed the souls and stomachs of those around her. She will distinctly be remembered not only for her generous heart but also for her chicken salad, potato salad, spinach casserole, and hot dog chili.

Alice loved spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed watching football, basketball, and tennis as well as loved to travel. Her girls (Yolanda, Shonda, Khadijah, and Ameyrah) spoiled her and ensured she wanted for nothing just as she did for them.

Alice had a passion for singing. She had a beautiful and powerful alto voice. She would sing at home with her grandchildren, at family events along with her sisters, and at church for the Lord. If you didn’t know the Lord, her singing made you want to know him. She was a member of the Black Mass Choir and as part of the New Gospel Ensemble who recorded an album.

Along with her late husband, she was instrumental in building and co-founding Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church. “Ms. A” greeted everyone with her beautiful smile and warm spirit. Whether singing in the choir or preparing for service, she always gave her all. She was the epitome of class, elegance, and grace. “Ms. A” touched so many lives and made a huge impact. She will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Yolanda Smith and Shonda Formey (Barry) of Charlotte, granddaughters Khadijah Smith and Ameyrah Formey of Charlotte, sister Diane Parrish (Kenneth Rice) of Fletcher, brother Alfonso Darity of Fletcher, stepsons Jeff Ware of Atlanta, GA and Michael Anderson (Julia) of Austell, GA, stepdaughter Tayika Anderson of Asheville, Godson Jaeven Samuel of Asheville, loving uncle Grafton Young, Sr. of Fletcher, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service to honor Ms. Alice Darity Ware will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022, at Tried Stone Missionary Baptist Church (100 Carroll Avenue, Asheville, NC), at 1 pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Alice will be laid to rest immediately following the service at St. John Baptist Church Cemetery (67 St. John Road, Fletcher, NC). The service will be live streamed on Avery's Memorial Chapel's Facebook page.

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