B. Grace (Francis) Alker

Bessie Grace Alker, 95, of Harbor Springs, died November 14, 2020 at Bay Bluffs Medical Care Facility.

Bessie "Grace" was born on September 23, 1925, in Cross Village, the daughter of Louis and Victoria (Meonquie) Francis. She went from attending a one-room schoolhouse in Cross Village to moving to Chicago as a young woman to pursue a career as a nanny. While in Chicago, Grace developed a wanderlust that would eventually lead her to joining the United States Army as a nurse.

While working at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, this young nurse met a handsome soldier, Paul Alker. The two instantly fell in love and started a life long love story. Grace moved all over the country as a military wife, and after Paul's retirement in 1976, the family returned to Harbor Springs.

Grace was a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians and was extremely proud of her Native American heritage. She was skilled in many traditional crafts, like bead-work and creating beautiful pieces out of birch bark. She enjoyed playing BINGO with her friends at the care facility and attending Mass at Holy Childhood Catholic Church, where she was a member of the St. Anne's group. More than anything, she loved being a grandmother and spending her winters watching and caring for her two granddaughters.

Grace is survived by her son, Paul Alker, Jr. and his wife Joan Alker of Harbor Springs; their two children, Ashley (Tim Holman) Alker and Theresa Alker; and Grace's great grandchildren, Joaquin Alker and Aria Boda.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Alker, Sr.; her brother, Albert Colby; and her sister, Christine Willis.

Grace will be laid to rest next to her husband and parents at the Oak Hill cemetery in Cross Village. No public services are scheduled at this time.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of B. Grace (Francis) Alker, please visit our floral store.