John Alldredge

John L. Alldredge, 100, of Hillsboro died Wednesday, December 31, 2008, at The Legends in Hillsboro. John L. was born March 28, 1908 in Hillsboro, Texas, where she lived all her life, the daughter of John Holmes and Ollie Ann Owens Byars. She was the valedictorian of her classes at Travis School, Hillsboro High School and Hillsboro Jr. College. On December 23, 1927 she married Homer Lee Alldredge and he preceded her in death due to a tragic accident on June 19, 1951. She began her career as a school teacher in Brandon, Texas. She also worked in the Hill County Courthouse, as secretary to Judge Lewis; and in Hillsboro's Martin McDonald's department store for fifteen years. She retired from Citizens National Bank after diligently serving the bank for over 30 years. She was a lifetime member the First United Methodist Church in Hillsboro and of its Official Board. She served in many capacities in the church from driving the church bus; to running the kitchen for major events; and upon her retirement was a tireless volunteer in the church office. She was very active in the church's quilting organization that made quits for donation to the church's annual auction. And she was an active member and leader of Cochabamba Women's Bible Study circle's for many years. John L was recently featured on the front page of the Hillsboro Independent School Districts Connections publication. At the time of the publication she was the oldest living graduate of Hillsboro High School having graduated in 1925 from HHS. Oscar Wilde once wrote One should never trust a woman who tells one her real age. A woman who would tell one that would tell one anything. And John L valued these words penned by Mr. Wilde. She kept her age a well kept secret from her close friends and many family members. John L.'s quit wit and independent spirit will be greatly missed. Also preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Lucille Adams and Alta Bennett; and a brother, Sgt Major Fred Byars; and a much beloved granddaughter, Sherry Carmichael on November 22, 1992. Survivors include her daughter, Lu Jeanne Carmichael and husband, John, of Dallas; brother, Glenn Byars of Kearney, NE; grandson, Mark Carmichael and wife, Peggy, of Farmersville; two great-grandchildren, Stephani Cannon and husband, Jeff, of Melissa and John S. Carmichael of Farmersville; and two great-great grandchildren, Blake E. Cannon and Grayson W. Cannon. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 673, Hillsboro, TX 76645.