MERIDIAN — Services for Mary Alpha Quave Johnson Donnelly will be held today, at 11 a.m., at First Christian Church with Dr. Tom Sikes and Rev. Lea McCracken officiating. The entombment will be in Magnolia Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

    Mary Alpha, forever 39, died Monday, Oct. 15, 2012.

    Mary Alpha dedicated her life to sharing her passion for dance with the children of Meridian. She opened the Alpha School of Dance at 19, where she taught dance for over 65 years. She also taught lessons to students in the Meridian Public Schools, St. Patrick’s and in surrounding communities. For 25, she served as the choreographer for the State Junior Miss Pageant of Mississippi and was awarded the First Place National Award for State Production several times. She was the recipient of the Amblin Award for best in Choreography by the Mississippi Fashion Women in 1983. In 2003, Mary Alpha was honored to receive the MLT Austin Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement for her many years of service as choreographer for the Meridian Little Theater. Her work as choreographer at MLT included youth and adult productions.

    Mary Alpha was on the faculty with Dance Caravan, National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists, and Dance Educators of America, teaching with other nationally known instructors at conventions across the United States. She was the past president of the NADAA, Chapter No. 46. She was a Honorary Lifetime Member and Advisor to the Board of Dance Teachers United, who awards three scholarships per year to deserving dancers and an presents the Award for Outstanding Showmanship at their conventions, all in her name. For four summers, she was the dance instructor and choreographer for The Ted Mack Camp in Massachusetts. In 1975, she was the director of the International Dance Seminar in Exeter, England. For three consecutive summers, Mary Alpha, was the director of dance at the Holland Institute of European Culture.

    Mary Alpha was the creator of the ALPHAMAT, a teaching tool for young dancers. In addition, she authored a dance encyclopedia, The Magical Kingdom of Dance, both of which are being utilized across the country.

    Aside from her professional life, Mary Alpha was a loving mother, sister and wife. While attending Meridian High School, she was a majorette and was crowned Miss Meridian. She was a lifetime member of First Christian Church. For 39 years Mary Alpha was married to Frank Donnelly and they split their time between homes in Meridian and New Orleans. They shared many fabulous trips here and abroad. She enjoyed being a member of the Timberlane Garden Club, attending theater, ballets, and spending evenings with friends.

    She is survived by her brother, Norbert Anthony Quave and wife Pat of Ocean Springs; daughters: Robin Owen and husband Louis of Nashville, Tenn., Ree Pollman of Meridian, and Tonie Lynne Bense and husband Allan of Panama City, Fla.; eight grandchildren: Robyn Haskins, Mia Pollman, Alyssa Pollman, Julie and Chris Stump, John Robert Pollman, Courtney and Will Weatherford, Jason and Danielle Bense, and Taylor Bense; nine great-grandchildren: Tori, Crystal, and Walker Haskins, Reese and Remy Stump, Ella Kate, Molly, and Madelyn Weatherford, and Alexandra Bense; nephew, David Quave; nieces: Marilyn Moss and Dawn McKenzie; lifelong friend, Grace Brown; and countless friends, students, and extended family.

    She was preceded in death by her adoring husband, Captain Francis E. Donnelly; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Kenneth Quave; brothers: Jack and Basil Quave; sister, Cleo Quave; and niece, Sylvia Green.

    The family is thankful for the care provided by Dr. Edward Holmes, Infinity Hospice, the staff of the Christa House, Crystal Seals, Kelly Fulton, Demetra Gordon, Kathy McNeil and Peggy Williams.

    Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church.

    Pallbearers will be Jason Bense, John Robert Pollman, Taylor Bense, David Quave, Robert Moss and Ben McKenzie.

    Honorary pallbearers are Bill Barham, Eldred Mayer, Tom Mixon, Jimmy Pigford, Tony Sansone, John Robert Smith, Christopher Stump, and Pete Willis.