Mrs. Belle M. Rice

January 14, 2011
Belle M. Rice, daughter of the late Dock and Frances Miller was born in Council, North Carolina on February 20, 1916. She made her transition from this life on January 14, 2011 at the Springwood Care Nursing Facility. Mom was a product of the Bladen County and Wilmington, North Carolina School Systems. After finishing high school, she began to focus on how she could begin to create a more fulfilling life. Belle (beautiful) came to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in the thirties and was employed with the RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company for a brief period. She later found a job as a domestic worker for the families of Judge Edward Heiffner and Mr. Earl Slick where she remained until her retirement. Shortly after her arrival in Winston-Salem, she met Edgar O. Rice and they were married in 1938. This couple was blessed with two children. They remained a union until his death in 1973. Belle was an avid church member of the Hanes C. M. E. Church for over 70 years. She served as a past president of Stewardess Board # 4 and was a member of the Missionary Society. She did whatever she could to help make the church a place of well being for all who entered. Nana, as she was affectionately known by her grand children, was a lady of many interests. Traveling was something she enjoyed. There was this desire within to visit as many places in the United States as she could which she did at every opportunity as long as her health allowed. She loved to sing and play music on the organ. Belle enjoyed sewing, crocheting, painting her house, gardening and shopping for beautiful clothes and hats which she wore with style. She leaves to carry out her legacy one daughter, Barbara A. Chapman, a son, Edward P. Rice, two grandchildren, Margo Gibson (Mark), Mia Chapman-Fisher (Damon); two great-grandchildren (Chelsey and Kadyn); three sisters-in law, Lena Love, Wilhemenia Ferguson and  Dorothy Rice (Oscar); One brother-in law, David  Rice (Mary)  and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
 
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, January 21, 2011 at 11:30 A.M. at Hanes Memorial C.M.E. Church.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

For copy of Funeral Program, click here