Dr. Alice Wilmer Rice

Dr. Alice W. Rice was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, educator, scholar, collaborator, and friend whose life reflected brilliance, faith, humor, purpose, and a deep love for learning.

Born on June 19, 1959, in Cleveland, Ohio, to William T. Shearin and Alice F. Green Shearin, both of whom preceded her in death, Alice excelled academically from an early age. She graduated from Glenville High School as a member of the National Honor Society and later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from The Ohio State University.

On October 6, 1984, Alice joined William Rice in holy matrimony. Their union produced two sons, Rafael and Cortes Rice I, who became a central part of her life’s pride and purpose. After relocating to California, Alice followed her calling in education, earning both a Master’s degree in Education from the California State University of Northridge and the Doctorate from the University of Southern California Rossier school of Education. Her professional journey spanned more than 30 years as a teacher, professor, researcher, mentor, and educational leader. She taught across multiple levels, nationwide, from middle school to college, bringing rigor, humor, structure, and high expectations into every learning environment.

Dr. Rice believed education was a pathway to dignity, confidence, access, and opportunity. Her love for mathematics, science, technology, and research shaped her work and her vision for the future. As founder and leader of the World Educational Organization Network, also known as W.E.O. Network, Dr. Rice laid the foundation to create access to educational and humanitarian content through digital technology, curriculum, documentaries, online instruction, and global collaboration. Her mission remains rooted in community building, service, and support for underrepresented learners.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Rice was the heart of her family. She was a devoted wife to William, a proud mother to Rafael and Cortes I, and a loving grandmother known affectionately as “Bebe” to Liliana, Ceraji, Cortes, and Jayla. She brought wisdom, laughter, honesty, and strength into every room she entered. Her sharp wit, deep insight, and unmistakable presence made people feel challenged, loved, and inspired all at once.

Dr. Alice W. Rice departed this earth on April 16, 2026. Her physical presence will be deeply missed, but her work, ideas, love, and brilliance continue through her family, students, friends, colleagues, and all those inspired to carry her vision forward.

Dr. Rice is survived by her husband, William Rice; sons, Rafael and Cortes Rice I (Francine); grandchildren, Liliana, Ceraji, Cortes II, and Jayla; sisters: Joyce Edmonds (Sherman Jr.), Diane Hunter and Debra Shearin; niece Jacquelyn (West), nephew Jeff Hunter; and many beloved cousins, friends, students, and colleagues.

She will be remembered as a woman of brilliance, conviction, humor, generosity, and vision — a devoted educator and family woman who believed deeply in the power of learning and the responsibility to use knowledge in service of others.

Her work continues.

Her love remains.

Her spirit lives on.