Obituary of Alice W. Walters

ROCHESTER, NY – January 18, 2025 Alice W. Walters, age 90 of Rochester, New York died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on January 18th, 2025. She was born February 18, 1934 to Percy Weaver and Pecolia Chavis in Ahoskie, North Carolina and raised by her beloved cousin, Thelma Pierce following the early death of her mother. Alice spent her early years living on her family farm along with her cousin, Jackie. After graduating from C. S. Brown High School, she married Alvester Simmons. There was one child born of that union, Alvin Douglas Simmons. Alice attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College (now University). She was initiated into the Alpha Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated on May 15, 1958, and later graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in December 1958. She lived and worked for a short time in Washington, DC, while living with her sister Elsie. Upon moving to Rochester, New York in August 1960, at the urging of her best friend, Mrs. Dorothy Dobson, Alice later met and married Roland Zealy in 1961. They shared a blended family with his two daughters, Cynthia and Yolande and her son Douglas. She began her employment in August 1960 at the Monroe County Department of Human Services. She worked in Child and Adult Protective Services, daycare, Foster Care and Preventive Services. Alice held supervisory and senior positions in those areas. She went above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference for the children and families that she served. Throughout her career, Alice was well respected by her clients and coworkers alike. In 1991, after 30 years of service, she retired. In 1979, she married the love of her life, James Walters. With that union, they shared another son, Jeffrey, and three daughters, Terry, Tina and Kimberly. They were married 38 years until his passing in 2017. Alice is a charter member of the Rochester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She was an active member and held many leadership roles within the chapter. Alice loved her Sorority. When the chapter was charted on October 9, 1965, she served as the Chair of the Social Action Committee. Alice was the Chapter President from 1967-1968 and 1984-1988, as well as Chair of the Nominating Committee from 1990-1991. She also served on numerous committees including Fundraising, Joint Chapter, Membership, Nominating, Ritual and Ceremonies, and the Chapter 25th Observance Committees. She is a also a charter member of the Office of Black Ministries, Catholic Diocese of Rochester, charter member of Rochester Chapter North Carolina A & T State University Alumni Association, former Girl Scout leader, former Den Mother, member of the Regional Council of the Aging (now Life Span), and member of the Bridgetts for more than 25 years. She was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Church for many years until her passing. Alice was an active member of AARP and involved in other community-based organizations. She enjoyed working her crossword puzzles, watching her soaps, having lunch with friends and family, and watching the Wheel of Fortune with her niece, Cynthia. Alice loved and adored her family and would do anything for them. She is proceeded in death by her husband, James Walters; sons, Alvin Douglas Simmons, and Jeffrey Walters; three brothers, James, Curtis and Dr. Leon Weaver. She leaves to cherish in her memory five daughters, Cynthia Zealy Coleman, Yolande Zealy, Terri Walters, Tina Walters Johnson (Miller) and Kimberly Walters; grandson, Samuel (Samantha) Simmons; sister, Elsie Bryant; sisters-in-law, Freddye Price and Nancy-Pat Weaver; brothers-in-law, Willard (Isabel) Walters, Daniel Walters, and Abraham Dukes; daughter-in-law, Mary Simmons; and cousin, Jackie Broadnax. Friends may call Saturday, February 1 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception/St. Bridget's, 445 Frederick Douglass Street, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate her life will immediately follow at 11:00 AM. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rochester, NY.