Helen will be remembered as a faithful servant of her Lord Jesus Christ, for her devotion to others and for her sweet, sweet spirit. She served for many years as a pastor's wife, leading countless children in Vacation Bible School, Sunday School and mission organizations. She loved working with young children and shared that special gift at an early age as a missionary in the North Georgia mountains, then later in the local church and by training other adults at the local and state level. A graduate of Woodland High School, she attended Bessie Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia, but left college early to help care for her family after her mother's death. She was recognized as Hospice Volunteer of the Year and was a member of the Eastern Star, where she served in various capacities, including Worthy Matron.
Known and loved as "Mommy Rice" to many children, she operated an in-home daycare for several years. She was also a former bookkeeper. Her hobbies included crocheting, and she loved to make afghans as gifts.
Helen was preceded in death by her husbands, the Rev. John R. Rice and Robert Treece; her son, Mike Rice; parents, Taft C. and Addie Stillwell Daniel; two brothers, Jimmie Ray Daniel and Wylie Clifton Daniel; and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Myrlie (Jim) Stehling and Shirley (Terrell) Roberts.
She is survived by her children, Linda (Richard) Jenkins, Robbie (Charles) Lancaster, Tim Rice, Johnna (Mike) Scogin; daughter-in-law, Sue Rice; grandchildren, Michael (Julie) Jenkins, Corey Collins, Amanda (Dan) Ammons, John (Margaret) Lancaster, Ben Lancaster, Maggie (Kyle) Smith, James Scogin and Kate Scogin; brother, Joe (Sherron) Daniel; 10 great-grandchildren and many other friends and relatives.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, at Collier-Butler Funeral Home Chapel, 824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden. Burial will follow at Anniston Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Randy Gunter will officiate.
Pallbearers will be grandsons, Michael Jenkins, Corey Collins, John Lancaster, Ben Lancaster, James Scogin, and great-grandson, Drew Collins.
Special thanks to Charlene Bowen and other caregivers who provided comfort and companionship in her final years. .
