May 6, 2026, 93, Goldsboro – Mary Alice Rose Sullivan, 93, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Rex Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Wayne County on February 2, 1933, Alice was the daughter of the late Buren Conway Rose and Myrtie Cleo Best Rose. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sirah Thomas Sullivan; her son, Sirah Thomas Sullivan, II; grandsons, Jonathan Earl Sullivan and James Bradley McDougle; and her sister, Brenda Rose Barwick.
Alice devoted her life to caring for others, especially her family. A loving and selfless mother, she found her greatest joy in taking care of her children and creating a home filled with love, warmth, and comfort. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her own family as she spent many years helping with the Girl Scouts, positively influencing not only her daughters but countless young girls along the way.
Alice also enjoyed serving others through her work as a greeter at Walmart in Raleigh. With her kind smile and friendly personality, she brightened the days of the many people she met and made lasting connections with those around her.
A faithful servant of the Lord, Alice was a longtime member of Madison Avenue Baptist Church in Goldsboro, where she lovingly cared for the children in the church nursery. After moving to Raleigh in 1964, she embraced new hobbies and friendships through ceramics and bowling. In her later years, she found simple pleasures in reading a good book and watching her favorite television programs.
More than anything, Alice cherished her family. She loved gathering everyone together around the table, sharing meals, laughter, and memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those she loved. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, caring heart, unwavering devotion to her family, and the love she freely gave to everyone she met. To her family, she was a devoted wife, a wonderful Mama and Grandma, and a treasured friend.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 8400 Poole Road, Knightdale, NC. A graveside service to celebrate Alice’s life will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, 3888 U.S. Hwy. 70 West, Princeton, NC.
Alice is survived by her daughters, Linda Povlich and husband, Jack, and Patricia S. Walker and husband, Mike; daughter-in-law, Robin Sullivan; grandchildren, Kimberly Contasta and husband, Simone, Melissa Ruth Sullivan, Amber Walker Niebauer and husband, Jason, and Michael Joseph Walker and wife, Kristin; great-grandchildren, Savannah Niebauer, Justin T. Jones and fiancée, Kayla, Kylie Walker, Avery Walker, Max Contasta, and Emma Contasta; and great-great-grandchild, Levi Scott Jones.
Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Linda Cantrell, caregiver and friend, and to the kind and loving staff at Rex Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center for the compassionate love and care shown to Alice.
Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be given in Alice’s memory to Bethlehem Baptist Church, 8400 Poole Road, Knightdale, NC 27545.
