Alice Brackett, formerly Alice Marie Nicholson, was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the eldest of seven children born to the late Robert Lee Nicholson, Sr. and Alice Nicholson.

Alice received her education in the Philadelphia Public Schools. She went on to earn her Associate Degree from Peirce Business School and later attended Temple University, where she completed extended business courses.

In 1960, Alice met and married the love of her life, Joseph L. Brackett, Sr. From this union, they were blessed with two children: Joseph L. Brackett, Jr., and Chevon Brackett-Collins. Soon after their marriage, Alice and Joseph joined Zion Baptist Church in Philadelphia, where she was baptized by Reverend Leon Sullivan.

Alice began her career working as a secretary for the Board of Public Education. In 1968, she joined Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail), where she dedicated nearly 40 years of service. Over the course of her career, she held many positions, including Pricing Specialist, Assistant Supervisor, Office Manager, Personnel Manager, and Administrative Associate to the Senior Vice President of Core Services. As technology advanced, Alice continued her education at Blackwood Community College, where she studied advanced computer literacy. She also attended numerous seminars and classes offered by Conrail to enhance her professional skills.

In 1976, Alice and her family moved to Lawnside, New Jersey. Three years later, she joined Grace Temple Baptist Church, where she became a faithful and devoted member. She sang in the Ficklin Chorus, served as Vice President of the chorus, and in 1986 answered the call to serve as a Deaconess. In this ministry, she also served as Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Alice was a dedicated servant of the Lord, often chairing Women’s Day and lending her time and talents to numerous committees over the years.

Alice was known for her peaceful spirit, her kind heart, and her willingness to listen and give to others. She loved making people happy and lived out her faith daily. Her guiding scripture was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.” Her favorite phrase, which she often shared with others, was: “Let go and let God.”

Alice leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved husband, Joseph Brackett, Sr.; her two children, Joseph Brackett, Jr. (Eva), and Chevon Brackett-Collins; six grandchildren, Ayana White (Maurice), Jomar Brackett, Abigail Palao (Michael), Che’bri Collins, Terrell Collins, and Brian Collins; eight great-grandchildren; her sisters, Thelma Nicholson and Vivian Montgomery; her brothers-in-law, John Brackett, Jr. and Forrest Brackett; her sisters-in-laws, Ellen Aretha Saunders and Mattie Nicholson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Bishop Dr. Robert L. Nicholson Jr., James Nicholson, and Floyd Nicholson; and her sister, Beverly Newkirk.

Alice’s legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.