Alice Waites Obituary

Alice Louise Tarver was born on February 16, 1942, to Hamp and Isabella Tarver in Bastrop County. She was the fourth of six children. At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized at Macedonia First Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful member until her health began to fail. Alice Louise attended Emile High School in Bastrop.
In the early 1960s, Alice was united in holy matrimony to Bud Williams, Jr. To this union, three children were born-one daughter and two sons. Alice was employed at Capitol Laundry, the Sheraton Hotel, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Walmart.
Alice never met a stranger. Whether she was shopping in a grocery or retail store, or simply striking up a conversation with someone she had just met, she had a way of making you feel like family. She loved to talk about her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Her passions included cooking, shopping, and going to garage sales. She always cooked as if she were feeding an army and wouldn't let you leave her home without asking if you were full. Alice was especially known for her famous 7-Up pound cake, as well as her glazed cakes-often accompanied by a Big Red, Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, or another sweet treat.
She was a humble and giving person who often reflected on the struggles of her youth. Despite her own challenges, Alice was always willing to share what she had and never wanted to see anyone go without. She will be remembered for her kindness, her wisdom, and the warm spirit she shared with everyone she met.
Alice was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 4, 2025, at 5:59 a.m. at Seton Hospital in Austin, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Hamp Tarver and Isabella Tarver Meshack; her son, Ellis Ray Williams; two sisters, Sylvia J. Tarver and Mary A. Scott; one brother, Robert "Lavo" Shelton; and her late husbands, Bud Williams, Jr. and Lee Brooks Waites.
Cherishing her memory are her daughter, Rochelle Guyton-Mitchell; her son, Richard B. Williams; and her special companion of 32 years, Sherman Green, Sr. of Bastrop. She also leaves behind four grandchildren: Tanitra Merino, Tiffany Mitchell (Cory), Briana Hunter, and Brian Merino; five great-grandchildren: KeSean Morrison, Z'Riyah Merino, K'Mauri Smith, Braylonn Hunter, and Kalece Smith; and two great-great-grandchildren: Camilla Veal and Natalia Morrison.
Also surviving her are two sisters, Etta L. Madison and Melvin Charles Johnson; one brother, Norman R. Tarver; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, friends, and her Macedonia First Baptist Church family.
Special thanks to Reverend and Mrs. C.A. Williams, to Henry Brown for his loving care, and to Evelyn Runnels, whom Alice loved as a sister.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11th, at Elgin Funeral Home in Elgin, Texas, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, July 12th, at 11:00 a.m. at Macedonia First Baptist Church in Bastrop, Texas, with Rev. Michael Simms officiating and Dr. Eric R. Tarver delivering the celebration sermon.
Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.