Mary Lee Rice's Obituary
Mary Lee Rice, 87, took her final breath surrounded by her loved ones on
May 23, 2021.
Mary Rice was born on November 1, 1933 to the union of Viola and
Parker Washington in Tunica, Mississippi.
In 1954 she and her mother moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she
was educated in the Memphis, Tennessee School System. She confessed
her life to Christ and was baptized at an early age. Mary Rice met Carnell
Rice in 1952 in Memphis and in 1954, they were joined in Holy
Matrimony. They would laid down roots in Saint Louis, Missouri in 1961
and to this union nine children were born. Mary also had fourteen
grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.
Mary was an amazing mother, grandmother and homemaker all her life.
She also worked part time at Head Start for Saint Louis Public Schools.
Mary Rice had a passion for hats, she was known as the “Hat Lady” to her
family and fellow church goers. As the Hat Lady, her style was impeccable,
she also carried a love for fishing with her loving husband. Mary Rice was
great with a sewing needle and loved traveling and shopping until her
departure to glory. Her grandchildren called her “Mo”, she was “Medear”
to her children; she was “Mae” to her nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles
and to her loving husband she was “Punch”.
Mary was a faithful member of New Northside Missionary Baptist Church
for many years, where she was apart of the Missionary Society (Esther
Circle). She enjoyed mid week services.
Mary’s favorite biblical scriptures were Psalm 37:25 and Philippians 4:13.
Her favorite song was “Yesterday” by Mary Mary and she loved Dr. Watts
songs; she would listen to them almost daily.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Carnell Rice, Sr.; her parents;
Delores Jenette Blake and Tony Edward Rice.
She leaves to cherish her memories: her daughters ~ Mary Ann Rice
(Ronald) and Felisa C. Rice; sons ~ Carnell Rice, Jr. (Vivian), Tyrone Rice
(Lorenzo), Otis D. Rice (Tracy), Clester Rice and LeAndre Rice; special son
~ Kelsey Williams; special daughter-in-law ~ Debra Powell; and a host of
nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and other loved ones.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
