With hearts both heavy and grateful, we celebrate the remarkable 86-year journey of Alice Ann Allred Pottmyer, who peacefully departed this world on October 26, 2025.

Born to Berten Wendell "Bill" Allred and Alice Worthington Allred in Rapid City, South Dakota, Alice's life was one of adventure and adaptation from the very beginning. When her family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, she welcomed her beloved sister Doris Jean Allred Halladay in 1940.

Alice's childhood was painted with the wide skies of Texas, where her father's work with the Soil Conservation Service brought the family to a cattle farm outside Fort Worth. Here, young Alice discovered her enduring love for horses and the rich tapestry of American Western culture. She and Doris shared countless hours caring for livestock and taking turns riding their cherished horse, Shorty—experiences that instilled in Alice a deep appreciation for hard work, nature, and the simple joys of rural life.

The Eisenhower era brought another chapter when the family relocated to the Chevy Chase area of Washington, D.C., with Bill's position at the Department of Agriculture. Alice embraced her new role as a true Washingtonian, graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1956.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alice pursued her passion for writing at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, earning her journalism degree in 1960. Her talent shone as she wrote for and served as section editor of the Daily Universe, the student newspaper, honing skills that would serve her well in her professional career.

Returning to the nation's capital, Alice channeled her editorial expertise as a journal editor for several organizations, including the American Physical Therapy Association. It was during this vibrant period, while living in the culturally rich Adams Morgan neighborhood, that fate introduced her to a dashing young Naval Lieutenant named James "Jim" Pottmyer. After several years of courtship filled with the excitement of young love in the dynamic city of Washington, Alice and Jim exchanged vows on April 17, 1971.

Alice's greatest joy came with the arrival of her two children, Laura Marie and Stephen Geoffrey. Embracing her calling as a devoted mother, Alice created a warm and nurturing home in Arlington, Virginia, where she cared not only for Laura and Steve but also for her mother-in-law, Flora Leal. Her home became a sanctuary of love, laughter, and the values she held dear.

But Alice's nurturing spirit extended far beyond her own family. She became a pillar of her community, serving as a Girl Scout leader and volunteering in the school system. A woman ahead of her time and a fierce advocate for justice, Alice threw herself into the Women's Rights movement of the 1970s and 1980s with characteristic passion and determination. From 1979 to 1987, she served as President of Mormons for ERA, where her leadership and unwavering commitment to equality forged lifelong friendships and inspired countless others. Alice fought fearlessly for her beliefs and instilled in her children the same spirit of service, justice, and activism that defined her own life.

Alice brought her editorial talents to the International Association of Fire Chiefs, beginning as an editor for their member journal and eventually working in their conference and convention division until her retirement. She held the deepest respect for the firefighting community and found great fulfillment working alongside such brave men and women.

Following the heartbreaking loss of her beloved sister Doris, Alice discovered what would become her greatest passion: genealogical research. With the same tenacity she brought to every endeavor, Alice tirelessly explored the family history, combing through libraries, archives, and even graveyards—often with her young children in tow, teaching them the value of understanding their roots. Her journalism skills proved invaluable as she served as editor of the Allred Family Organization (AFO) newsletter for over 17 years and she served a term as the AFO president.

After more than 50 years in the Washington, D.C. area, Alice and Jim moved to Colfax, North Carolina, to be closer to their three treasured grandchildren: Felix, Anastasia, and James. These golden years were filled with the joy of being constant presences at recitals, concerts, school plays, and countless softball and soccer games. Alice became an active and beloved member of the Colfax Ward and developed many close relationships both in her congregation and in her River Landing community.

From the cattle farms of Texas to the corridors of power in Washington, D.C., from the front lines of social justice to the quiet archives where family histories come alive, Alice lived a life of extraordinary purpose, courage, and love. She was a trailblazer who fought for what was right, a devoted family historian who preserved legacies for future generations, and above all, a woman who understood that the greatest victories are won through service to others.

Alice is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Jim; her children Laura Marie and Stephen Geoffrey; her cherished grandchildren Felix, Anastasia, and James; and countless others whose lives were enriched by her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, fierce advocacy, and boundless love.

Alice will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Salisbury National Cemetery on November 14, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held on her birthday, November 15th in the Colfax Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 8934 West Market Street, Colfax, NC at 1pm. The family will receive visitors from 12pm-1pm and reception will follow at 2pm.