Mrs. Rice was a member of Calvary Baptist Church (now LifePoint Church). She and J.T. enjoyed singing in the choir for many years.
She graduated from Lufkin High School in 1945, then attended Satterwhite Commercial College. On February 10, 1946, she married J.T. Rice, Jr. (LHS Class of 1943) after his return from European Theater during WWII.
Mrs. Rice retired from Champion/International Paper. She had been a lifelong resident of Lufkin.
She is survived by her son, David Michael Rice & wife Glenda of Lufkin; grandsons, Michael Kenneth Rice & wife Elizabeth of Henderson, and Adam Bennett Rice & wife Kim of Milano; granddaughters, Sarah Elaine Holloway & husband Bill of McKinney, and Ashley Pryor of Houston; great-grandchildren, Gage Michael Rice & wife Erika, Colton Caleb & wife Amber, Logan James, Sierra Elaine, Kaidence Denise, Jacie Dawn Rice, Liam Nicholas Holloway, Olivia Kate Holloway, plus Dylan Pryor, Kinlee Pryor, and Noah Taylor; four great-greats, Maverick, Henry, Oliver, and Andrew Rice. Also, her sister, Molly Jo Avery; sisters-in law, Lydia Rice and Marie McIntosh; brothers-in-law, Gilbert Rice, and Joe K. Rice, Bob Rice & wife Gayle. She will also be lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.
Mrs. Rice was preceded in death by her parents, her husband J.T. Rice, Jr., brother Delbert Williford & wife Bertie Belle, brothers-in-law, Leonard H. Avery, D.G. (Yank) Rice, Jim Rice, Archie Rice & wife Mildred, Irvin Rice & wife Evelyn, Charles Ray Rice & wife Lynnise, and Elvin Rice & wife Betty.; sisters-in-law, Woodie Rice and Margie Jane Rice; great-nephews Keith Letney, Richard Rice, and Robbie Busch; and great-niece Angela Rice.
Graveside services will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Whitehouse Cemetery in Lufkin.
