Alice Braxton Hoffman

Alice Braxton Hoffman, 86, died peacefully at her home on February 10, 2023, in Asheville. Alice was born in Guilford County and was the daughter of the late Reverend Jabus W. Braxton and Dessie Lea Braxton. Alice was a wonderful, loving daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Hoffman, and brothers, Bill Braxton, and Jay Braxton.

Alice grew up in several North Carolina towns as a United Methodist pastor’s daughter including Asheboro, Forest City, Elkin, and Lincolnton. She graduated from Lincolnton High School in 1955. Alice married Joe, the love of her life, in November 1955. They had a happy, loving marriage for 48 years until Joe’s death in 2004. Alice offered love and tender caregiving to Joe during his last years. They raised three children: Laurie, Joe, and Walter. Alice was a dedicated homemaker, great cook, talented seamstress and crafter, and exceptionally gifted in music. Alice had a beautiful voice and shared that talent in many ways. Alice and Joe opened their home and shaped so many people over the years in the love of Christ. As an amazing host, she could cook for 20 people on a minute’s notice, and she did on many occasions. Everyone was welcome in their home that was filled with laughter, joy, and God’s unconditional love. Alice was a loyal friend to so many and treasured her friendships.

Alice was an active member of Abernethy United Methodist Church in Asheville serving in many capacities. She sang in the Chancel Choir for over 60 years. She was very active in the United Methodist Women, the Forum Sunday School Class, a Lay Delegate, the Quilting Group, the B.E.A.R. Closet, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Youth Group. Alice’s life work centered around serving her church. Her life was marked by service, quickly responding to any need she heard about. She was also active in Garden Club, several Bridge clubs, and all schools that her children attended. Her laughter was contagious and filled the room.

Surviving are a daughter, Laurie Little and her husband Tommy, of Charlotte; two sons, the Reverend Joe Hoffman, Jr., of Asheville, and Walter Hoffman and his wife Ann, of Lexington, NC; five grandchildren, T.J. Little and his wife Kelli, of Dallas, TX; Reverend Greg Little and his wife Janice, of Durham, NC; Will Little, of Charlotte, NC; Allie Watterson and her husband Cam, of Matthews, NC; and Emma Claire Hoffman, of Asheville; brother, Lawrence Braxton, of Waynesville, NC; sister-in-law, Mary Heavner and her husband Carroll, of Newton, NC; and Marie King, of Signal Mountain, TN; and great-grandchildren, Grace, Bennett, Elizabeth, Luke, JoyAna, and Elias Little.

The family is deeply appreciative of the caregivers who have loved Alice over the past few years. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Abernethy United Methodist Church, 1418 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 18, at 4:00 p.m. at Abernethy United Methodist Church with Reverend Karen Kurtz officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 3:00 p.m. prior to the service and again following the service. The graveside service will be the following day with family.