Mary Elizabeth Golden was born in Denmark (Madison County), Tennessee on November 5, 1943, the daughter of the late Roy Sterling Golden and the late Mattie T. Ingram Golden.
She graduated from West High School in Denmark, TN and attended Lane College in Jackson, TN majoring in Early Childhood Education. Mary moved to Decatur, IL and became a Licensed Practical Nurse on March 2, 1972. She was employed with the Decatur Memorial Hospital for 38 years, working on the Geriatric and Pediatric floors. The patients and their families adored her. She received many accommodiations on being a wonderful nurse and making their hospital visit pleasant.
She had two children with her companion at the time, Bobby Gene Rice residing in Decatur, Illinois. She was also loved and cherished by her children siblings by Bobby, who called her mom.
Mary was a very spiritual and started serving the Lord at Friendly Oak Grove Baptist Church in Denmark, TN and later attending The Church of the Living God Temple #2 in Decatur, IL, under the leadership of Bishop Thomas Cooper.
She was a faithful member with the Nurses, Deaconess and Treasure Boards. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Ethel W. Golden, brothers, Jonas Lee Golden, Roy Henry Golden, sisters-in-law, Rose Golden, Maggie Golden and Ruthie Golden.
She was a strong woman who survived breast cancer and many other illness. On Monday, April 1, 2024, Mary was called to rest her beautiful soul.
Those left to cherish her memories: son, Norbert Charles Rice of Decatur, IL,Marilyn Golden-Jewett (Larry) of Jackson, TN, grandchildren, Charzus Rice, Christopher Taylor, La Fecia Taylor and their mother, Betty Jean Taylor of Decatur, IL, brothers, Jennings Golden (Virginia) James Rodney Golden of Jackson, TN, ten
great grandchildren, a host nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, extended family, Karen Browning, Kim Williams and Hattie Wilder.
