Alice Leon Pohlmann

DURHAM – Alice Leon Pohlmann, age 92, died February 14, 2023. She was born on June 20, 1930 to the late William Roy and Katie Lee Taylor Fulghum.

She graduated from Lawton High School in Lawton Oklahoma, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music/Vocal performance from Northwestern University,

Alice’s career was as an elementary school music teacher, predominantly in Schaumberg Illinois.

She had a life-long interest in music and singing and performed in everything from church choirs, classical choruses, a Dixieland band, and the Sweet Adaline’s chorus (women’s four-part harmony chorus).

Alice lived most of her life in and around the Chicago area. In 1994 she moved to Durham where she participated in many community activities including English Country Dancing, Line Dancing, Tai Chi, Carolina Theater usher, Newborns in Need, Sweet Adaline’s Chorus, garden club, Olli continuing learning, and other senior educational and travel opportunities.

Alice was a life-long lover of dogs, and in her later years was never without a lucky dog that she had rescued from the animal shelter.

In 2008 Alice moved next door to daughter Leigh in Durham County. She entertained a succession of caregivers with her sharp wit, ability to sing about anything, and love of silliness and whimsey. Suffering from dementia and heart problems, she spent her last 2 years in the memory care wing of the Calyx living community, where she was still a pleasure to be around and continued to occasionally get off a good zinger or joke. She passed away peacefully after a brief illness. Her cheerfulness will be missed by all who knew her.

Alice is survived by her son Warren Pohlmann of Tuscon, AZ; daughters, Lorraine McCune (husband Cleveland McCune) of Millboro, VA and Leigh Brian (husband, William Brian) of Durham, NC; five grandchildren, Angel and J.W. Pohlmann; Katie and Morgan Thomas; and Keegan Brian (wife, Grace Brian); two great-grandchildren: Alura McKale and Walter Brian. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Fulghum; ex-husband Edward Pohlmann and grandchild, Kelsey Brian.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, March 12 from the Hall-Wynne Funeral Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 PM prior to the service at Hall Wynne Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Durham Center for Senior Life. https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/DurhamCenter4SeniorLife/OnlineGiving.html or or Animal Protection Society of Durham, 919-560-0640, 2117 E Club Blvd, Durham, NC 27704 https://www.apsofdurham.org/how-you-can-help/donate/

The family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.