Mary Alice Shanklin

Mrs. Mary Alice Criswell Shanklin, age 76 of Trenton, Tennessee, passed away from this life on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Milan General Hospital. Funeral services for Mrs. Alice will be conducted on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 11AM in the Dyer chapel of Karnes & Son Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, in Trenton.

Mary Alice Criswell Shanklin was born on June 22, 1946, in Dyersburg, Tennessee to Johnie and Thomas Lee Criswell. She was the third daughter and fourth child in a family of nine. On May 28, 1966, she married Julius “Sonny” Shanklin. Alice was the beloved aunt of 26 nieces and nephews, who she adored. 

Alice owned and operated Alice’s Flowers, a successful florist out of her home, for over 40 years. She took a special interest in each and every customer and was loved by many. 

Alice was a devout Christian, who served as a Sunday School teacher to women in the Gibson County Jail. She was a member of Midway Baptist Church in Dyer, Tennessee.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Sonny Shanklin; her parents, Johnie and Thomas Lee (Greer) Criswell; a sister, Shirley Criswell Thornton; four brothers, John, Bobby, Richard, and Jerry Criswell; and one nephew, Tim Sewell.

Alice is survived by her sister, Frances Sewell of Trenton, TN; two brothers, George and wife Donna Criswell of Natick, MA and Eddie Criswell and fiancé Elaine Alford of Dyer, TN; along with many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Eddie Criswell, George Criswell, Donnie Criswell, Ronnie Criswell, Rich Criswell, Eddie Criswell Jr., Brian Criswell; with honorary pallbearers being Jeff Thornton, David Sewell, Bradley Criswell, Randy Criswell, Ricky Criswell, and Ryan Criswell.

The family will receive friends from 5PM-8PM on Friday, June 2, 2023, at the Dyer chapel of Karnes & Son Funeral Home. Karnes & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Mary Alice Criswell Shanklin.