Alice Mae Cartledge

Alice Mae Cartledge, 82, of Willow Park, Texas passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Medical City Fort Worth of complications from Covid-19. Alice was born in Harlingen, Texas on October 10, 1937 to Coy and Bessie Barker. She was raised in Harlingen and Victoria Texas. Alice received her nursing degree from the Jefferson Davis Hospital School of Nursing in Houston, Texas and subsequently completed training as a Nurse Practitioner at the University of Texas at Arlington. Alice joined the US Air Force in 1964 and served at numerous bases in the US as well as in Vietnam, the Philippines and in Libya during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She enjoyed an illustrious military career and ultimately retired at the rank of Colonel in 1991. She subsequently continued her nursing career at General Dynamics as well as working in the public health sector and at John Peter Smith Hospital until her permanent retirement in 2002. Alice was an exceptional Nurse Practitioner and fierce patient advocate throughout her career. She worked tirelessly to improve the lives of her patients and was greatly respected by her colleagues. Alice lived a life of service to others. While in the Air Force, Alice placed herself in harm’s way without regard to her own personal safety in order to provide care to all that needed it. As a private citizen, Alice was a firm advocate of Women's rights, Veteran Care and Democratic Principles. She was dedicated to the causes of animal welfare and healthcare for the under-served. Alice believed in and supported educational opportunities for all. She was staunch and unyielding in standing up for what she believed was right. A fierce fighter, Alice never backed down from a challenge. Alice will be mourned by her many friends and neighbors who knew and loved her over the years. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Coy and Bessie Barker, as well as ex-husband William Cartledge. 

She is survived by close friends Barry and Elizabeth White of Willow Park and Janie Simmons of Colleyville and their families. Alice was considered a member of their families and will be greatly missed. Alice brought happiness, respect and a profound sense of dedication to her loved ones. Even though she experienced great physical challenges in her later years, Alice was always there to offer any help that she could to anyone that might need it.

A foundation for supporting nursing education and animal welfare has been set up in her honor. Alice will be interred at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery at a later date.