VERNICE RICE,
91, of Roland, Ark., was born in Perryville, Ark., on April 24, 1929 to Helmer and Nettie Bryant. She left this earth to go home to her Lord and Savior on November 20, 2020. She was preceded in death by Norman Lee Rice (husband), Michael David Rice (son), Nettie Hillis and Helmer Bryant (parents), and three sisters (Elois Hill, Elmer Lee Vaught and Maggie Harrison). She was married to Norman Lee Rice for 61 wonderful years until he passed away in February of 2009.
She graduated with a Masters Degree from Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway, Ark., and made a positive difference in the lives of many students as a public school teacher. She retired from Pulaski County Special School District. The love of children that drew her to elementary education as a profession was also fully expressed in her passionate love for and engagement with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was an active member of her local church and community. She considered the 60 years she lived in Natural Steps and Pinnacle to be one of the greatest blessings of her life. She freely poured her love, time, resources and gifts into the lives of others. Her family and community benefitted from her hobbies of cooking, sewing and gardening.
She is survived by her three children - Norman Dewaine Rice (wife Cheryl), Randall Lee Rice and Evonne Vernice Rice; four grandchildren – Cherina Kelly, Anthony Rice, Sr., Stacy Tucker and Bailee Rice; seven great-grandchildren - Samantha Rice, Abigail Thomas, Anthony Rice, Jr., Lachlan Kelly, Sawyer Thomas, Sasha Kelly and Mary Ann Rice; and one brother – Helmer Sylvester Bryant.
The family is deeply grateful to everyone at The Lakes at Maumelle and Kindred Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care they provided, as she progressed through the end stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.
The family has made a decision to not put anyone’s health at increased risk by having visitation or funeral services. You can express your honor for our mother by enjoying your many wonderful memories of her and how she lived her life in love and service to God and others. Please visit online guest register www.smithfamilycares.com.