Cecelia S. McAlister

Cecelia Self McAlister, the daughter of the late Ethel Lee Reece and Houston Self, was born in Pickens County, Alabama on June 5, 1932 and died on May 11, 2017. Born into a Methodist family, she was baptized and confirmed in the Gordo Methodist Church, Alabama and was a longtime member of John Wesley United Methodist Church, Charleston, South Carolina. She graduated from Gordo High School, Alabama, and received a B.S. from Alabama State College for Women at Montevallo in 1954. Following an internship at Mercy Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, she began a 32 year career with the Veterans Affairs Hospitals, as a laboratory technologist. Her first position with the VA Hospitals was in Birmingham, Alabama, followed by a transfer to Temple, Texas. In 1966, she participated in the opening of the Charleston, South Carolina VA Hospital, as a Director of the Medical Technology Laboratory. Upon retirement, she worked for Prudential Reality and H and R Block. Cel married the man of her dreams late in life and contributed to his ministry at Jackson Grove United Methodist Church, Fews Chapel United Methodist Church and Woods Chapel United Methodist Church. Cel will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, spirit and devotion to God and those she loved. She never met a stranger. Mrs. McAlister is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Rev. J. Richard McAlister; step-children, Kay and David; three grandchildren, Lexi, Victoria and Kailee; attentive cousins, Reuben and Jo Ann Manasco, and Elizabeth and Joseph Houston; sister-in-law, Mrs. Louis Self; nieces, Bobbie Jane and Pam Self and Donna Overstreet; and nephews, Lee and Butch Self. She was predeceased by her brothers, James, William and Louis Self and two nieces, Carol and Jo Ann Self. Funeral services will be held 11: 00 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2017 at The Wood Mortuary, conducted by Rev. John Rush, Dr. Wayne Varner and Rev. Robert Carlisle. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2017 in Gordo City Cemetery, Gordo Alabama. Visitation will be held 10:00-11:00 a.m. Monday at The Wood Mortuary. The family is at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church of one’s choice. Special thanks and gratitude to Providence Healthcare for many years of love and care. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com

Cecelia S. McAlister

June 5, 1932 - May 11, 2017