MADISON, MS - Alyce Rhea Surrett, 87, died in Madison, Mississippi on Friday April 11, 2008.  She was born in 1921 in Haines City, Florida to David B. and Alyne Dickey Rhea.  Alyce attended Florida Southern and worked as a medical technologist and x-ray technician at the Watson Clinic in Lakeland, Florida prior to her marriage to Edward John Surrett of Leominster, Massachusetts in 1942. Ed's work with the E.I. DuPont Corporation took the couple on a life of adventure as they established homes in seven states and Ontario, Canada. Alyce made new friends in each location and took special joy in attractively decorating each new home.

Ed and Alyce enjoyed retirement in Alyce's beloved hometown of Haines City. Florida, where Alyce took great joy in the company of childhood friends, an active membership in St. Anne's Catholic Church, and community service. Alyce was especially gratified by her initiation into the Haines City High School Hall of Fame and had fond memories of being Miss Haines City in 1939.

Following Ed's death in 1998, Alyce moved to the life care center, St. Catherine's Village in Madison, Mississippi. Alyce was a dedicated mother, grandmother, friend and volunteer. She was especially devoted to causes such as social justice, interfaith understanding, educational opportunity and historical preservation. She will be remembered for her bright smile, personal warmth and ready laughter.

Survivors include her daughter, Sharon Surrett of Geneva, Illinois; daughter Lynn Surrette and George Dawkins of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Ted Caliento and his wife Elaina Ventura, California; Jason Caliento and his wife Kate of Houston, Jennifer Darrouzet and husband Joe of Austin; Sarah Bollfrass and husband Bart of Austin; and five great-children.

Alyce was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Al and Alyne Mathias of Winter Haven, Florida.

A memorial Mass and funeral services will be held at St. Catherine's in Madison, Mississippi.

The family would like to thank Alyce's caregivers at St. Catherine's, and companions Diane and Tammy Lane, Belle Johnson and Margaret Richardson.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Alyce's memory may be sent to any of the following charities:

Edward J. Surrett Scholarship fund at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire www.anselm.edu/alumni/giving/secureform.htm

Haines City Main Street (historic preservation) ci.haines-city.fl.us

Hospice Foundation of America www.hospicefoundation.org

Epilepsy Foundation www.epilepsyfoundation.org//howtohelp/donate.

St. Anne's Catholic Church www.stannhc.org

Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp

American Cancer Society www.cancer.org

Southern Poverty Law Center www.splcenter.org/donate/online

Condolences via oakridgefuneralcare.com.