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Jeannie Grace Rice, a woman whose warmth and kindness touched every corner of her life, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Simpson General Hospital. Born on March 6, 1949, to Billy Lucas Byrd and Grace Odum Byrd, Jeannie was the kind of person who made every moment brighter with her presence.
Jeannie’s greatest love was her family, a devotion that defined her life. To her, family was everything—her heart and soul. She extended that love to all creatures great and small, nurturing a deep affection for her pets and any animal she encountered. Her home was always a place of love, and laughter.
As a proud member of the Eastern Star, Jeannie lived a life of service and compassion, always putting others before herself. Her big heart was evident in the way she cared for everyone around her, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Jeannie was reunited in heaven with the love of her life, Thomas Ray Rice, her beloved parents, her brother, George William Byrd, her sister, Patricia Byrd, and her precious granddaughter, Amanda Barnette (Mandy). Though their loss was profound, Jeannie’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
She is survived by her sons, Tim Sullivan (Eva) and Duane Sullivan-Bradley (Joshua); her daughter, Sandra Barnette (Kenneth); her “Pop”, James Parker; her brothers, James Byrd (Cynthia) and Billy Wayne Byrd (Theresa); and her sisters, Cindy Prince (Mike), Angie Kellum, and Lynn Thigpen. Her legacy also lives on through her cherished grandchildren, Kimberly Barnette, Tammy Stewart (Randy), Renee Brown (Kyle), Victor Barnette (Ashley), Wesley Sullivan (Leslie), and eight great-grandchildren, with another bundle of joy on the way. Jeannie’s memory will also be treasured by her many beloved nieces, nephews, and a host of friends who were like family.
A visitation to celebrate Jeannie’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Tutor Funeral Home in Mendenhall, MS, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel, officiated by Brother Andy Gipson. Interment will follow at Gum Springs Cemetery, where Jeannie will be laid to rest, surrounded by the love and memories of those who knew her best.
Jeannie’s gentle spirit, loving heart, and joyful soul will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
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