Thelma Bernice Rice

Thelma Bernice Rice also remembered and known as Bernice to her friends, Mom to her children and Mamaw to her grandchildren and all their friends was born on February 28, 1929. She was born in Prentiss, MS, but lived her early years in Wesson, which she called home. She was 95 years of age when the Lord called her to her heavenly home on March 30, 2024, and was surrounded by family.

She was married to the late A. V. Rice for over 60 years. They raised five (5) children, and she was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. Later in life, she went to work part-time at the United States Post Office for Harrisville and Crystal Springs and eventually became a full-time Postmaster in Harrisville, for approximately 15 years. She loved the Post Office and was always proud she was serving in her community. She was also a member of the American Businesswomen’s Association and the Postmaster’ League. Mom was a faithful and working member of the Harrisville Community Church for over 60 years. She was committed to her service to the Lord by her attendance as, a Sunday School teacher, Song Leader, and choir member and she served in many areas of office. The church was an extension of her family and in whatever capacity she served, whether as secretary or treasurer, her dedication was unwavering because to her there was never an excuse not to be there and to serve.

Mom enjoyed all sports and if there was a ballgame and someone was going, she was ready, whether it was baseball, basketball, football, soccer (weather permitting), and even scrimmages. She supported her children and grandchildren in every aspect of their lives. Traveling was one of her number one sports, especially to the Smokey Mountains and this sometimes was at least two to three times a year. She will be remembered for serenading all of us with the song “Chatanooga Choo Choo” & she sang this every time we saw the water as we were entering Chatanooga. Mom just loved travel and was already ready and her favorite words were “Let’s Go!”

Mom loved her family very much and loved spending time with them, which brought her great joy. Her home was always open, especially on Sunday if you wanted lunch. We are talking a full buffet with at least two desserts, and this meal was always prepared before she went to church and we are still amazed at how she did this! This was always a priority in her life.

She is preceded in death by her spouse A. V. Rice, parents, Ernest and Ollie Jane Wilson McCray, sisters, Mattie Mae Moore, Inez Jackson, Ollene Whitehead and brothers, Francis Lee McCray and Thomas Earl McCray.

She is survived by her children, Angie Langston (Bubba), Joe Rice (Jennifer), Denise Ware (David), Barbara Spencer and David Rice; Grandchildren, Lindsey Myers (Robert), Micah Windham, Ashlyn Abernathy (Dustin), Macey and Meagan Spencer, Aaron Rice (Lindsey), Jared Rice (Hannah), Brooks and Breanna Langston, Sam and Anna Wilson; Sister, Jean Maddox, and many beloved nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

She has six great-grandchildren, Luke and Ruston Myers, Kooper Miller, Maddox and Remi Rose Rice and Charlotte Rice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Harrisville Community Church in her memory.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Harrisville Community Church from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  The service will be at Harrisville Community Church on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 10:00 AM with visitation from 9:00 until the beginning of the service. Bro Larry Sappington and Bro. David Ware will officiate.  Interment will follow in Harrisville Cemetery.