Gloria “LaNell” Dotson Rice, 85, entered her heavenly home on Friday, September 5, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. Born on February 7, 1940 in Chattanooga, she was a devoted wife to Gene and a source of endless love for her daughter, Trinka. Known for her loving spirit, her sense of humor, her contagious smile and laugh, and her giving nature, LaNell found joy in spending time with her family and friends.
LaNell attended Red Bank Baptist church and the Faith Sunday School Class. She also participated in weekly Bible studies there with some of her high school friends.
LaNell graduated from Red Bank High School in 1958 and then went to business school at McKenzie College. In 1961 she began her long career in the brick industry, starting with General Shale Brick. She stayed with the company when it became Key-James Brick, followed by Jenkins Brick, and finally Acme Brick. Over the years her roles ranged from a salesperson who could name the brick used on a house just by looking at a photo to the collections manager who, with persistence and unyielding determination, collected thousands of dollars a month in past due bills. In 2021 LaNell retired from the brick business after 60 years of service, a real legend for sure.
LaNell loved to cook for family and friends and always made sure that everyone was well fed. She was also a storyteller who always had a funny (long) story for everything. She was always ready for an adventure or a shopping trip, was always smiling, and loved to make people laugh. LaNell was selfless, supportive, sometimes stubborn and was loved by all those who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, M. Ethern & Rose Alice Dotson, husband, Gene Rice, sister, Delores Bain, and her beloved poodle, Chloe (/kloy/).
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Trinka & Jay Roueche, siblings, Annette Bain, Ronnie Dotson, and Mickey (Rhonda) Dotson, several nieces and nephews, several bonus daughters, and many friends.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 1:00pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel with a graveside service immediately following. The family will receive friends before the funeral from 11:00am until 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude or the Roueche Chorale in her honor.
The family would like to thank Hearth Hospice (especially Meredith, Rusty, Leah, Lexi, Dan, and Aaliyah) for their excellent care and support.
