Beverly Ann Gills George Rice

"Beverly Ann Gills George Rice was a beloved wife, mother, stepmother, daughter, sister, and friend. After a lengthy illness, at the age of 72, she succumbed to kidney failure on August 26, 2018 at the St. Joseph Carpenter House Hospice in Baton Rouge. Unafraid of a challenge, Beverly never complained and fought her battle quietly with conviction and courage. She was supported by her husband Russell Rice and a circle of family and friends. Beverly was born September 10, 1945, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Charles and Mattie Meyer Gills. She grew up the oldest child in a large family. She graduated from McKinley Senior High School and Southern University where she received a Bachelor's degree in Management. She worked briefly with the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office until the inception of the Baton Rouge Public Defender's Office in 1976. Beverly was one of the first three employees at the Public Defender's Office. She started as the office secretary and eventually worked her way up to the Office Manager. She loved her job! Her dedication, drive for excellence and sense of humor will be long remembered. She was often called upon to meet tight deadlines and train new employees; all while keeping the office running smoothly. She remained an integral part of the Public Defender's Office until her health deteriorated. She retired after 35 years of service. Even after retirement, she stayed in touch offering sage advice. She loved bird watching, to crochet, sew, and fish but her passion was loving her grandson, Kelly George, who was the love of her life. Beverly was a member of Our Lady of Rosary Praesidium, "Legion of Mary". She is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Mattie Sue Gills. She leaves to cherish her memories her husband of 40 years, Russell Rice, her children Dawn Delisle George, Kevin George, her grandchildren Kelly George, Katalina George; stepchildren Sonia Rice Ristic (John) and Darnell Rice (Patricia), her siblings Charles Gills, Jr., Peggy Gills Porshe (Robert), Linda Gills Beshears, Terry Gills (Reinette), Debra Gills Johnson (Curtis) and Mona Gills Collins (Damien) along with a host of family and friends. Visitation will be at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1150 Myrtle Walk, Baton Rouge, Friday, August 31, 2018, from 9:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am celebrated by Father Edward Chiffriller, S.S.J.  Recitation of the rosary will be at 10:30 am.  Interment will follow in Resthaven Gardens of Memory.   A special thank you is extended to her doctors, the staff of the Baton Rouge General Medical Center, and the staff of the St. Joseph Carpenter House for the graciousness and care extended during her stay. A very special thank you is given to Donna Pearson for the gentle care given and tea cakes she provided; a true friendship was forged forever!