Mary Rice

Mary Baker Rice, born October 23, 1916, in Freestone County, died quietly in her sleep on Monday morning, July 4, 2005, at 10 o'clock in Haven Nursing Home. She was surrounded by her family. She was married for more than 50 years to the late James Raymond Rice and lived most of her adult life in the Wortham/Mexia area. Most of her life was spent being a wife and mother. She was employed at Henderson's Furniture Store in Mexia in the 1960's and later was a cashier at First National Bank in Wortham. Always known for her kindness to others, she shared the bounty of her cooking with friends and neighbors. She was a friend to many and will be remembered for her generosity to those who needed it most. Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock at First United Methodist Church in Mexia with interment in the Wortham Cemetery beside her beloved Raymond, who died August 14, 1992. Rev. James Mack Strange, pastor of Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church in Florida; Rev. Jerry House, Jr., pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in College Station; and Rev. Dr. Max Burkhead, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Mexia, will officiate. Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. She is survived by one daughter, Peggy Rice Wright, and a beloved son-in-law, Bob Wright; two grandsons, Mike Wright and his wife Bethany of College Station, and Jim Wright and his wife Courtney of Dallas; four great-grandchildren, Mason and Macy of College Station, and Jackson and Cole of Dallas. Survivors include several nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Hope Bonner Baker of Fairfield, and her aunt, Bula Pye of Fairfield. Pallbearers are J. R. Buchanan, Kenneth Butler, Sandy Jenkins, Marles Pace, Gordon Payne, and Jackson Wright. Honorary pallbearers are Cole Wright and Mason Wright. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 o'clock at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home. The family deeply appreciates the dedicated, tender and loving care given to Mary during her residency at Haven Nursing Home, and acknowledges the outpouring of love by employees there. .