Lunette Rice

She passed peacefully, surrounded by her daughter, son, and granddaughter.

Born on March 30, 1940, in Cullman, Alabama, Lunette was the daughter of Harvey Hilbert Moody and Nora Timmie Butler Moody. The ninth of thirteen children, she grew up in a large, close-knit family that valued love, faith, and hard work above all else. Though the family had modest means, their home was rich in warmth and care—values that shaped Lunette’s life and spirit.

At age twelve, Lunette moved in with her Aunt Ruthie to help care for her grandmother, Mary Butler. A few years later, she joined her parents in Birmingham’s Central City neighborhood, where she witnessed the Civil Rights movement unfold in the early 1960s. She often reflected on her years at Phillips High School during segregation, witnessing the courage of Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and his family as they fought for equality.

While living in Central City, Lunette met Vernon Rice, and the two married on July 1, 1957—Vernon’s birthday—when she was just 17. Their 63-year marriage was filled with adventure, devotion, and countless journeys with family and friends. Together, they made homes in Jacksonville, Florida; Richmond, Virginia; Huntsville, Alabama; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Brunswick, Georgia before settling once again in the Richmond area.

A lover of travel and exploration, Lunette’s journeys took her around the world to places such as Africa, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, England, France, Hawaii, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, and Switzerland. Along the way, she captured her experiences through photographs and stories that her family will always treasure.

Lunette’s interests were as vibrant as her spirit. She loved bird watching, hiking, and walking—especially in the mountains of Virginia and along peaceful neighborhood paths. Her knowledge of birds was remarkable; she could recognize them by their flight, plumage, or song and often ventured out with the Audubon Society. Even into her later years, she stayed active and proudly completed the Richmond 10K in 2020, and surprisingly - she loved roller coasters!

Her faith was the foundation of her life. A dedicated member of Northside Baptist Church and the Church Hill Wellness Ministry, Lunette served the Lord with steadfast devotion. She taught Bible studies, volunteered at Vacation Bible School, and took part in food ministries. Through her work in Church Hill, she helped provide meals, clothing, Bibles, and hope to many in need—living out her faith with both compassion and action.

Lunette is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon Rice; her parents, Harvey and Nora Moody; and her siblings Orvil Moody, Calvest “Bill” Moody, Neldia “Dot” Jones, James Moody, Waffern “Tug” Moody, Wendell Moody, Oma Moody, Felston Moody, Mary Ruth Moody, Ruby “Elwanda” Evans, and Hilbert Moody.

She is survived by her daughter, Beverly Sweeney (Howard), son, Dennis Rice (Sandra), grandchildren, Andy Rice (Amanda), Erin Allen, and Lisa Rice; and great-grandchildren Ellie Rice, Carter Allen, and Emmett Rice. She also leaves behind her cherished brother, Randy Moody (Linda), and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Woody’s Funeral Home – Atlee Chapel, 9271 Shady Grove Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116. A funeral service will follow at 12:30pm on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Northside Baptist Church, 7600 Studley Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23116 with interment at Signal Hill Memorial Park in Hanover, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northside Baptist Church.