Mazie Rice Gillen
A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Mazie Rice Gillen, 82, will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September, 30, 2016 in the Sanctuary at Noel Memorial United Methodist Church, Shreveport, LA, with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall. Officiating will be Rev. Mimi McDowell and Rev. Theresa McConnell. There will be a private family burial.
She was born November 19, 1933 in Gainesville, TX to Marie Sievers Rice and Dr. Lee Roy Rice, and passed away on September 26, 2016 in Shreveport, LA. She was a graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana. At Centenary she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and the college choir where she met her future husband. Later in her life she continued her education and received her Master's Degree in Education from Louisiana State University at the same time that her son received his undergraduate degree in Political Science. She was active in the Centenary Alumni Association, Noel United Methodist Church as a member of The Couples Class, served as a Stephens Minister, and was a longtime member of the church choir. She had a passion for teaching science at Caddo Middle Magnet where former students would often come back and thank her for the impact she made on their lives. Mazie also was a talented artist that often gifted others with her works of art. Her grandchildren will always treasure and appreciate the lessons she gave them in life and in art.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ernest McKay Gillen, Jr., and her sister-in-law Martha Gillen Keith. Surviving Mazie are her sons, Ernest McKay Gillen lll of Shreveport, LA and Gilford L. "Gif" Gillen, Sr. and wife, Bonnie Balcom Gillen of Shreveport, LA; grandchildren, Gilford L. "Gif" Gillen, Jr. and wife, Allie Gillen, Shelby Elizabeth Gillen and Wesley Katharine Gillen; great-grandchild, Gilford L. "Ford" Gillen lll; sister, Elizabeth Rice and husband Bill of Houston, TX; brother, Dr. Lee Roy Rice and wife Linda-Marie Rice of Georgetown, TX; brother-in-law, Tom Keith; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to the nurses and staff at The Glen for their care and compassion and to the members of Noel United Methodist Church.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Katherine Caruthers, Julie Noles, and the members of The Couples Class of Noel United Methodist Church.
The family suggests memorials may be made to Noel United Methodist Church, 520 Herndon Street, Shreveport, LA 71101, Centenary College, 2911 Centenary Blvd., Shreveport, LA 71104, Village Healthcare at the Glen, 403 E. Flournoy Lucas Rd., Shreveport, LA 71115, or to the charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Rose-Neath Funeral Home - Shreveport.
5 Entries
Mac and Gif,
Your mom and your dad were such beautiful people. They both meant so much to my family as we were growing up. I will always remember them with such warmth and affection.
With my most sincere condolences for your loss,
Cindy Shaffer Barry
December 4, 2016
Mac and Gif,
Sorry to read about the loss of your mother. Prayers to your family.
David Gillespie
September 30, 2016
Ms. Mazie was a dear woman and it was a joy to get to know her at The Glen with the therapy dogs.
Maureen Kidd
September 29, 2016
I was one of the many students who had the pleasure of having Mrs. Gillen as a teacher at CMM. She was a wonderful teacher and a great lady. Her family should be proud she touched the lives of so many young people. May she rest in peace, and condolences to her loved ones.
Jessica (Thomas) Lumpkin
September 28, 2016
Our deepest condolences to the Gillen Clan--especially our beloved friend Mac--on the loss of your mom & family matriarch. Keeping you close in thought and prayer!
Thomas and Natalie Linn
September 28, 2016
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