Alice Wilson

Alice Faye Wilson was born on January 25, 1944, in Phoenix, Arizona to the union of Robert Brown and Gennie V. Beasley Cunningham. From the moment she entered this world, Alice carried a spirit of generosity, strength, and love that would leave a lasting imprint on all who knew her. She became nothing short of a legend in the city of Gurdon—a woman whose name was synonymous with kindness, hospitality, and good food.

Alice’s home was always open. If you were hungry, tired, hurting, or simply needed a place of comfort, her door—and her heart—were never closed. She believed in feeding both the body and the soul, and she lived that belief daily.

A lifelong member of St. Clair Baptist Church in Burtsell, Alice loved the Lord. Her life was a testimony of a woman who spoke her mind - at all times.

Alice was known far and wide as an exceptional cook—a pot-boiling, soul food cooking, can-cook-anything kind of woman. Her kitchen was her ministry. Among her many legendary dishes, her famous peach cobbler stood out as a beloved trademark. She served as the head cook at the South Fork Truck Stop in Garden, where truckers and community members alike knew they would always receive a hot, seasoned, soulful, and satisfying meal. Many say that Alice didn’t just cook at South Fork—she put it on the map. People came from near and far, not just for the food, but for the love she poured into every plate.

Alice Faye Wilson peacefully transitioned from this life on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at her home in Gurdon. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, B.J. Wilson, and her siblings, Darlene Hughes and Nathan Russey; and a grandson, Kynan Barrett.

She leaves cherished memories to her children: Garry Cunningham; Pamela (Dennis) Hopson all of Gurdon; Lisa (Tommy) Dickerson of Benton; and Kim Wilson of Arkadelphia and her beloved friend, David Marion. Her legacy continues through her eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, all of whom were the joy of her life. She also leaves to treasure her memory her sisters, Shirley Franklin and Shelia Tidwell, both of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews; special friends Delia and Rev. Charles Young; and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends.

Though she is no longer with us in body, Alice’s love, laughter, meals, and memories will forever remain at the tables and in the hearts of those she touched.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM. The family will gather and receive friends at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at which time friends and family are invited to share cherished memories of Alice. In accordance with her wishes, Alice Faye Wilson will be cremated, and her ashes will be scattered, symbolizing the free and giving spirit with which she lived her life.