A shift has ended.

On January 14, 2026, with loved ones by her side, Alice Michaux Surratt (83) completed her service on this earth and transitioned to be with the Lord.Alice was born on August 15, 1942, in New York, New York, to Gladys and Bertis Michaux. In her early years, she moved to Morganton, North Carolina, where she attended the historic Olive Hill School. Upon graduation, her path led her to North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Nursing in 1964. While there, she became a sister of the professional nursing sorority, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated.

Soon after graduation, Alice married Johnny Lee Surratt I, with whom she had two amazing children: Johnny Surratt II, partner April Benfield, of Morganton, North Carolina and Hope Surratt-Foster, husband Wynton Foster, of Los Angeles, California.

Alice's life journey was defined by her dedication as a Registered Nurse. A trailblazer in her profession, she began her career at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. She later served at Broughton Hospital in Morganton, where she was a highly regarded and respected Charge Nurse. Known for her tireless work ethic and deep commitment to patient care, Alice often worked double shifts and moonlighted at multiple nursing homes until her retirement.

Her dedication to service extended beyond her professional life. Alice opened her heart and home as a foster mother, nurturing daughters Michelle Brown-Smith of Grimesland, North Carolina, Latonia and Guilia.

Alice was preceded in death by her mother, Gladys Michaux; her father, Bertis Michaux; and her brother, Roger Michaux.

Lovingly known as the family matriarch and "Aunt Alice" by her nieces and nephews, she was also preceded in death by Germaine Michaux, Horatio Bristol, and Max Bristol. She leaves behind Chance Michaux, Cicely Michaux, Sandra Bristol, Sherry Bristol, Rebecca Davis, James Bristol, Herbert Bristol, and Johnny Bristol.

She took great pride in providing a safe and nurturing space for her grandchildren. Grandma Alice's presence was familiar and deeply comforting, rooted in unconditional love and selflessness. She cherished Danielle, Johnte, Tabitha, Alex, Chris, Aurora, Vance, and Michael, and was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Steven. She was also blessed with a multitude of loving great-grandchildren.

In addition to her service to the community and devotion to family, Alice was a gifted creator whose crafts adorn the homes of many. From her residency at the Jamestown Flea Market to her shop, Little Ventures, Ms. Alice left her signature touch through flower arrangements, decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and more.

Mama. Grandma. Sister. Aunt. Daughter. RN. Entrepreneur. Seamstress. Gardener. Fashionista. But most notably - Friend.

Ms. Alice leaves behind adoring friends and family from coast to coast who will forever hold and carry the memories of a woman of strength, resilience, independence, and talent. Her friendships were deep, true, and enduring, extending even to her smallest and most beloved companion, her dog Wiz.

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make Mama's life comfortable, especially her steadfast and longtime aide, Christine Rose, and the compassionate staff at Amorem Care in Valdese, North Carolina. We thank you.

The Nightingale Pledge

I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly:

To pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully.
I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug.
I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping, and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my profession.
With loyalty, I will endeavor to aid the physician in his work and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.

May she rest in peace, now and forevermore

A funeral service honoring the life of Ms. Alice Michaux Surratt will take place Tuesday January 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Corpening Memorial Chapel of McCain Funeral Home & Cremations, LLC; the interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Let us continue to keep the Surratt and connected families in our thoughts and prayers.

The service will be live-streamed on the McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook page and YouTube Channel; the links are found below:

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/mccainfuneralhome/

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4qb7IT7sO-Kc0BRs05J-A