Alice Virginia Cribbs' Obituary
Alice Virginia Cribbs (88 years old) Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and family matriarch passed away peacefully in her home in Dallas, Texas on June 15, 2025, after a brave battle with lung cancer.
Alice was a force of nature wrapped in pearls and prayer. Born on August 24, 1936, in Sulligent, Alabama, (Moscow Community) to Rushton and Mattie Gunter. As the middle child she was a self-appointed advocate for her siblings. She lived a life full of grit, grace, and just the right amount of sass. Throughout her life, Alice never allowed grass to grow under her feet; she lived in Omaha, Chicago, Minnesota, and East Palo Alto, CA. When her siblings moved, so did she. Family was the cornerstone of Alice’s life. Recognized for her gifts of strength, sewing, storytelling, and humor. She demonstrated a strong work ethic, liberal political views, and unwavering faith. She developed a relationship with Christ at New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C church where she faithfully served. She brought joy to every occasion. She later returned to Alabama to reunite with her siblings and husband as she settled into retirement from Hyster-NAACO as a lead seamstress. She leaves behind a legacy that’s equal parts legendary and heartwarming.
Let us be honest, Alice was not your average grandma. She was the CEO of “Don’t Try Me, Inc.” and ran her household and family like a five-star General with a wooden spoon and a raised eyebrow. Her late husband, Tarl Cribbs, learned early that when Alice said “SMOKE,” she was serious. But behind that tough exterior was a heart big enough to hold generations.
In her later years, Alice had a divine glow-up. God stepped in and said, “Let’s remix this masterpiece,” and she traded her sass for scripture, her shade for serenity, and her “try me” for “bless you, baby.” She became a woman of deep faith who was full of wisdom. She embodied the kind of hugs and conversation that could fix your entire day.
Alice was known for her unfiltered advice (whether you asked or not), her fierce loyalty, and her ability to bring people together. She believed in love, unity, and legacy—and she lived out those values every single day.
Although she endured heartbreak with each loss of family members, she ran her race with determination as long as she could. Alice is survived by her daughter, Shree Ann Payton of Dallas Texas, grandchildren Sherrill Payton, Twins- Alicia Payton, Alan Payton, (Chablis Payton) of Dallas Texas, and her cherished great-grandchildren: Twins- Liviya Payton, Ayla Payton, Zariah Payton, and Kajuan Payton. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and honorary family members who were lucky enough to have experienced her love.
Alice’s presence was a guiding light, and her legacy of strength, love, family, and faith will live on in every story told, every dance, every recipe passed down, and every side-eye given in her honor to those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Memorial Service
Restland Funeral Home
13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75243
10:30 AM on Monday, July 21, 2025
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