Mrs. Martha Bailey Rice, beloved wife of David L. Rice, Jr. passed away peacefully June 5, 2013. Her last days were filled with joy and love that was shared by her family. She was 86 years old. Visitation will be held at the Limestone Chapel Funeral Home, Athens, AL on Saturday, June 8, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. with Ron Oakley officiating. Private family burial.
Martha was born August 5, 1926, and began her study of music when she was 7 years old. Her love of music and people continued throughout her life. She was a founding and devoted member of the Emanuel Baptist Church, Athens AL, and taught music and chorus at Tanner School for many years and for two years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mrs. Rice is survived by her husband David; three children: Beth Rice of Sacramento, CA; David L. Rice, III (Cindy) of Laurel, MS; and Amy Rice Henry (Louis) of Mobile, AL; five grandchildren: William Bailey Rice (Ashley), Andrew Rice, Annalee Rice Patrick (Chad), Alex Henry, and Lydia Henry; and two great-grandchildren, MaryCollis and Penn Patrick.
In lieu of flowers, the Rice family requests that you consider a memorial gift to the Martha Margaret Bailey Rice Music Scholarship at the Mississippi University for Women at 1110 College Street W-1618, Columbus, MS 39701.
