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Emily Rice Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Emily Rice
Don and Evelyn Hampton
September 26, 2004
We were, like numerous other people, asked by Emily over a period of several years to do a variety of tasks for Bellaire United Methodist Church. Frequently we felt we were not qualified to do that job. In at least three major instances we agreed to do what we earlier had refused to do. Her confidence in us and her gifts of persuasion caused us to accept the challenge and inspired us to succeed. She is some kind of leader! There's a saying, that God doesn't ask those who are equipped but equips those He asks to do a job. We're grateful that He thru Emily asked us to do His work. We thank God for sending Emily Joy Rice to Bellaire United Methodist Church and into our lives. We shall never forget this very special lady who filled our lives with such joy and happiness.
Carol Horton
September 26, 2004
It was a pleasure to know Emily. I was happy to help her with her presentation--by handing out information--at the International Convention in the summer of 2004. I was excited to get to see her early documents of Delta Kappa Gamma. Carol Horton
Jean Lee
September 26, 2004
Emily, now you are a heavenly angel. Thank you for being an earth angel who lifted me when my own wings may have had trouble remembering how to fly. Earth is diminished, and heaven is richer. Jean Lee (Epsilon Psi)
Marjorie Wilson
September 26, 2004
Dear Emily, As the letter that one of your dear granddaughters wrote to you in which she attempted to say goodbye, I too am having that difficulty. Looking at your sweet, kind face in pictures bring the tears. You are greatly missed. You showed so much love and energy to so many in your lifetime as proven, for example, by all the lovely notes sent to this guest book. And there are many who knew about this access who could not think of the appropriate things to say. But there are many who have Emily in their heart and head. Your church, your family and your friends all have been blessed to have known you on this earth
Goodbye, Emily.
Merle Holland
September 26, 2004
Emily Elizabeth Joy Rice, just the name brings a smile. A grand lady, full of knowledge, humor, and friendships. A special name for a grand lady. Emily will be missed by her friends, but she will be spreading "Joy" eternally.
Fondly,
Merle Holland
Karen M. Duke
September 26, 2004
To know Emily was to know that her name of Joy came from within. Even as I learned of the extreme sadness that occurred in her life a few years before moving to Houston, I also discovered at the same time how deep her faith and how her faith made her a joyous survivor. I say to her in my prayers, "You are missed, Emily. Thanks for the joy you brought all of us."
Barbara Derrick
September 26, 2004
Thank you Elinor for reminding me to do this. I have not been able to think of the proper words to say in the loss of such a great lady! Even though they have still not come to me I wanted to at least say something in honor of Emily.
Emily loved life and everyone who crossed her path. She always made each of us feel as if we were the most important person in her life. I loved to get her early morning emails. They were always so profound despite the time in which she wrote them. Believe me I know at 3 a.m. I would not have even remembered my name. Yet Emily wrote of wonderful news and things she held dear to her heart in such a poetic way.
She was also the best hostess I have ever met. No matter what the occasion or even when there wasn't an occasion she was the hostess with the mostess! I loved to go to something Emily was hosting.
She loved her daughter and granddaughters so much! She would beam with excitement and pride as she told us of one of their honors or a story about one of them. I know she cherished every moment with each of them.
We will all greatly miss Emily. In fact at the recent Area 3 workshop despite it's huge success a small part was missing, and that part was Emily and her presence. There was a true heart tug at all of our hearts when Helen Johnson read her name during the necrology service.
We miss you Emily but your humor, gracefulness, kindness, and poise will remind with us forever!
Love, Barbara
Rosemary Folks
September 26, 2004
I had the privilege of knowing Emily only through Delta Kappa Gamma functions and she was truly a delight. She was like a ray of sunshine with her smile and a kind words to say. She made you feel like a long time friend and someone she really cared about. She will be missed by me, her family and her sisters in Delta Kappa Gamma. With prayers and love
Charlene Davis
September 26, 2004
What a beautiful woman that will be greatly missed. She was a true diamond in Delta Kappa Gamma
Jean Epley
September 26, 2004
I had not read the Guest Book entries since the first day when only 4 of her friends (and mine) had written. How fortunate that I logged on tonight at midnight, to read the other wonderful tributes.
I believe Emily could "pack" more accomplishments into one week than anyone I have ever known. And it wasn't "all work and no play". Which ever it was, she gave it "her all". With all her literary, church and societal accomplishments, she was also a very accomplished "gourmet". Just shor tly before her death, I noticed I was needing to replenish my "Emily Rice Jams/Jellies". I thought to myself, " I must attend Beta Eta's Auction this year and take care of that." Well, I will just have to savor what I have left.
She was such a kind and considerate friend, inviting me to so many luncheons, as her guest, and also to the Galveston Condiminium. She leaves a big void in the Delta Kappa Gamma Sisterhood, but the memories she left behind help to fill that void. "Thanks for the Memories", Emily.
Mara Greenberg
September 26, 2004
What a painful void in the hearts and lives of her beloved family and so many loving friends. She magically touched us all! I feel so fortunate to have known Emily as my 'other mother', neighbor, and dear friend for the past five years. Her sweetness and greatness as a woman of integrity, charm, class and much warmth to all will always be remembered.
I will cherish my many wonderful memories of this marvelous, one of a kind lady. Carpe diem to you all. What a legacy of how to live a blessed life she left us...
Betty Jo Watts
September 25, 2004
It was a joy to know Emily Rice. She was a beautiful southern lady. My family will miss seeing her smiling face. She had a wonderful happy out look on life. She taught us to serve others, do our best and enjoy life.
Jean Gray
September 25, 2004
Emily was a quiet supporter ... always encouraging and showing appreciation without any expectation of reward. I will always remember her acts kindness.
Sheryl Minick
September 25, 2004
Emily was a Delta Kappa Gamma treasure. We shall miss her greatly.
Sheryl Minick
Mary Louise Middleton
September 25, 2004
I wonder how many youngsters Emily helped through the years, mine included. May she continue to smile at them from Heaven! .
Judy Russell Wolter
September 24, 2004
Mrs. Rice was my English Teacher 3 out of 4 years at Los Fresnos High. She attempted to instill school pride in all of us by having us sing our school song frequently, by wearing school colors, making up cheers, attending sporting events, and teaching us fight songs. She also wanted us to be proud of our "Valley Home" by having us learn and frequently sing "For We Love Our Valley Home". It has been many years since I have seen her, but she has been on my mind for the last 2 weeks. Perhaps its becaue she taught us Greek Mythology and that was our first exposure. I happen to be reading a book now that refers to all those Greek gods she taught us about. I never thought it might be because her time on earth was coming to an end.
She introduced us to Shakespeare and to the Canterbury Tales. She even made us memorize parts of the Canterbury Tales. I can still quote them. That was in 1968. I also remember that she threatened us with our life if we laughed when someone else was repeating their memorized lines while she sucked in her cheeks not to laugh herself.
She indeed played a huge part in my education.
Bob Middleton
September 21, 2004
Oh, the good memories I have of the precious time I spent with Mrs. Rice! She was my english teacher for two years in Los Fresnos. She was also my speech coach all 4 years. Poetry Interpretation was my forte (she said), and through her coaching I was successful in winning several speech tournaments. She was the "teacher" of the five-paragraph essay; when I went to college MY first essay was read to the whole class with the professor saying, "Now THIS is the way an essay is supposed to be written!" Mrs. Rice and I became very close because of all the time we spent practicing for speech tournaments. I valued her caring and enthusiam immensely.
Joyce & Kenneth Andrews
September 18, 2004
Bellaire Methodist Church and the Seekers Sunday School Class were blessed when Emily Joy Rice chose our church and Sunday School Class when she moved to Houston. She immediately became involved in teaching, chairing committes, fund raising, entertaining and more!
In the Summer Emily would invite the Seekers to her beach house to enjoy the beach, fellowship and great food. She truly was the hostess with the mostest!
Emily will be sorely missed.
Joyce and Kenneth Andrews
Natalie Eastman
September 15, 2004
Emily was a blessing to many. She blessed me through direct cneouragement, her friendship with my mom, and her faithfulness to God and trust in Christ. My heart is with her daughter and granddaughters.
Phyllis McCulloch
September 15, 2004
Emily was a very special lady and friend who is and will continue to be greatly missed! I am so glad we all had our birthday celebration together this summer.
Love to you, Emily!
Martha McCulloch
September 15, 2004
Will miss your, Emily.
Gerry Fleuriet
September 13, 2004
Emily was a new friend to me, as she welcomed my children and grandchildren to Houston and the Awty International School. From a single phone request at the suggestion of a mutual friend, Emily stepped into our world with interest, intellect, and helpfulness, emailing and mailing packets of information, personal suggestions, and the comfort of an outstretched hand and heart to newcomers. What was most impressive was her overwhelming love for her own grandchildren, and I will never forget her incredible Troy lectures. She reminded me to take the time to continue to learn so we can always teach, and to offer friendship without restraint. I will miss the personal meeting and luncheon we were planning. Blessings to her precious loved ones, who will carry with them forever the gift of her devotion.
Mick House
September 11, 2004
Emily Joy Rice was my good friend. She crammed all of her talents in living a completely full life in loving servie to her family, church, and school organizations. I will miss her greatly along with her other many, many friends.
A Special Lady.
Chelsea Hopwood
September 9, 2004
Her passion for students as well as life itself inspired us all. True passion is in short supply in this world. Now the deficit is even greater. We will miss you Emily.
Susan (Batchelor) Easterly
September 8, 2004
They say "only the good die young," and it's so true of Mrs. Emily Joy Rice - a vivacious, young woman at heart! My God, what a TEACHER! What a GIFT she had! I had the pleasure of both being in Mrs. Rice's class and being on her Forensics team at Sidney Lanier. She mesmerized us - even those of us with "senioritus." Her love for literature and drama permeated her being, as did her love for us students - as young and as silly as we were. Her high expectations of us were a challenge, but always within our grasp. She was an incredible educator and made a huge impact on my life. I only recently found her after almost 20 years, and I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to tell her what she meant to me - and what she still means to me. From her emails and her photo, the 20 years had not changed her one bit - energetic, lovely, and sharp. Don't you know she's up there keeping everyone on their toes?!! Carpe diem, Mrs. Rice. I love you and miss you! :)
Leon Ullrich
September 8, 2004
Emily followed me as President of the Seekers Class. She always told me that I was her mentor. Needless to say, Emily was THE mentor in our Church. Her friendship and leadership will certainly be missed.
Jo Ann Wahlstrom
September 8, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with Emily's Daughter and Grand-daughters. Emily was a very special lady; a gifted teacher; very energetic and inspiring. She will be remembered by The Seekers Class and all who knew her.
Marsha Dea Davis
September 6, 2004
Emily Rice was and will always be an angel - she brought a light into my life that will forever burn. I met Emily as a new initiate into the Beta Eta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma in Houston. She also introduced me to Bellaire United Methodist Church where I immediatly joined and became a member of the choir. Unfortunatly, I had to move from Houston, but was able to see her at least once a year at the Delta Kappa Gamma State Convention. I truly feel an emptiness in my heart without Emily on this earth, but I also feel a peace inside knowing that Emily is watching over all who love her. I will miss Emily's big hugs, smiling face, and beautiful eyes.
COL (Ret.) Joseph Frankie III
September 6, 2004
Mrs. Emily Joy Rice was a selfless teacher, coach, and later a dear friend. Her enthusiasm was inspiring and infectious. I am saddened of the news of her passing, yet rejoiced that she is not bound by pain and the limitations of this world. She taught me English two out of four years at Los Fresnos High School. She spent countless hours at her dinner table coaching me to read poetry in the evenings. We were rewarded with UIL District Championship and a high place in Regional competition. So, I will paraphrase the end of Tennyson's THE REVENGE for her because she liked it so:
"...She fought for Queen and Faith like a valiant woman and true, She has done her duty as a woman is bound to do. With a Joyful Spirt she has left us..." May choirs of angels sing you, Emily, to thy eternal rest. I miss you and will see you when my course on earth is done. May God Bless you and your family.
J'Ann Aman
September 5, 2004
J' Ann Payne Aman, Epsilon Chi Chapter
Waco, TX
Hazel E. Godhelp
September 4, 2004
September 3, 2004
Hazel Godhelp, along with all her family dearly cherished Emily Rice and all she stood for. She was a true Angel, an exemplary Christian in every sense of the word, who displayed love and kindness toward all she met. She was a true friend, so very generous with all her time, talents, worldly goods and encouragement. She was a jewel who shown at all times. We can never replace her or the lovely memories we shared with her and her lovely granddaughters in all the important moments in our lives since 1993. I attended many conferences and roomed with her in Delta Kappa Gamma and she was to one who encouraged me to move from my home church of Park Place Methodist (since 1939) to Seekers class of Bellaire Methodist Church. I had the joy to hostess both her 70th. and early 76th. Birthday party. My loss knows no bounds.
We wish to extend all of you in Emily’s family and especially Edna Ann and Catherine and Elizabeth our deepest sympathy and very special thoughts during this rough time in your lives. She will always shine in all our lives. I thank God for sharing her with me.
Allen & Margaret Alexander
September 3, 2004
We loved knowing Emily for the past 12 years. What a lady!
Marion Heuer
September 3, 2004
I had the privilege of knowing Emily for just a little over two years. What a blessing the acquaintance was. She always spun
rays of hope both in actions and
words. Although it was a short
acquaintance, it will never be forgotten.
Marjorie Wilson
September 2, 2004
Catherine and Elizabeth, the most cherished granddaughters of Emily Joy Rice. Emily sent me an email just last week in which again she said that her granddaughters were the love of her life. You still have that love. Cherish it and draw on it for strength. And, Edna Ann, your Mother was so very proud of her "business woman" daughter. She loves you dearly. What a marvelous woman our Emily was. Such a dynamic force in everything that she chose to lead. On the birthday cake that we had at the Reception following her Memorial Service, I chose these words: "Celebrate Emily Joy Rice, our 'Valley Girl,' Happy Birthday, 8-30-1928." She was so proud of her Valley routes and the relatives and friends there. She gathered friends around her as much as she possibly could in so many ways. We will miss her presence in body. But in spirit she will be present in so many ways that I can only imagine. Emily loved our Seekers Sunday School Class and her church, Bellaire United Methodist Church. It will take many people to continue on with the many projects she involved herself in. But they will be done with wonderful thoughts in the minds of many of our Emily. My husband, Nat, and I extend our sympathy to Emily's family, with our love and appreciation for their lives.
Pat Peacock
September 1, 2004
Emily was my friend and inspiration at Bellaire UMC and Delta Kappa Gamma. She will be sorely missed.
Pat Osborne
August 31, 2004
The world seems a little less brilliant today, without Emily. We who are left behind are tempted to be sad, but we know better. We know Emily would say "Carpe Diem", this is all you have, make the most of it don't fill it with tears, fill it with Joy. We all learned so many beautiful lessons from Emily about living, loving, being faithfilled, having integrity, and leaving every person we encounter a little better than they were before we met them.
Edna Ann, Catherine, Elizabeth, your mother and grandmother was a model to us all. She so loved her Red Hat that Catherine made for her and all of us will carry that memory of her sporting her Delta Kappa Gamma hat. I was privilegd to know her and will carry her always in my heart. My thoughts and prayers be with all of you at this time of loss. Thanks for sharing her wilh all of us, we will not let you down. We will carry on her legacy. We will work tirelessly, we will seize the day, we will fill lives with the joy of living. I've often said I want to be like Emily when I grow up. Now, I realize jsut how big those shoes are.
Catherine Davis
August 31, 2004
"When you are born, you cry and everyone is happy. So, live your life in such a way that when you die, everyone cries and you are happy." Carpe diem! How many of us had a brighter day because we were part of Emily's life? It makes me happy to know Emily will now be happy forever! Her middle name, Joy, says it all. In the midst of struggles and strife and pain, Emily persevered. She survived by faith and love and so enriched other lives by her example. With that beautiful smile she shared this statement that I now use in all my workshops: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ... ‘Wow! What a ride!'" Edna Ann, Catherine, and Elizabeth, Emily was so proud of you and loved you more than words can say. Thank you for sharing her with the rest of us.
Betty Preston-Boling
August 30, 2004
My sincere and prayerful condolences are expressed to you,Edna Anne, granddaughters and family. Emily Joy was a wonderful person...a professional who was dearly loved and respected by everyone. As Former Students of Texas Woman's University, I succeeded her as President of the Houston Chapter, which was a well-organized act to follow since she was creative and innovative. She became my "personal" hostess/confidante and I have pictures to cherish the genuine memories in her home. She had a way of making everyone feel "SPECIAL" and needed.I regret that I did not take the opportunity to talk with her recently, even if it was after 6 P.M. May you continue to be blessed with preserved memories.
Betty
Liz Allison
August 30, 2004
I only knew Ms. Emily a short time but enjoyed her cheerfulness and joy. I'll miss her.
Barbara Baethe
August 29, 2004
There are observers and participators in life. Emily Joy Rice was certainly a participator. She loved life and lived each day to the fullest. I have many treasured memories of her and our time together. She had a way of making everyone she knew feel so special and touched so many lives during her journey. "Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully." Everything Emily did or said was beautiful. Her love for God, family and friends has been an example for others and endeared her to all of us. "Thanks for the memories."
Love and prayers,
Marilyn Gregory
August 29, 2004
Emily was a special person, friend, and weekly email buddy. She gave so much unconditional love to others and I always looked forward to our personal and email visits. No matter how she felt, she always asked about my family. We will all miss her so much. Carpe Diem, Emily.
Carolyn May
August 29, 2004
Emily sat in front of me and my mother, Carolyn Cabness, in church for many years. She was a dear, sweet lady and I will miss her. Please know I am keeping you all in my prayers.
Carolyn May
Carolyn Griffith
August 27, 2004
Emily is a dear friend who will be missed by many of her friends in her
church and teachers' organization. I met her through my sister, Elinor Nichols, a close teacher friend. The minute you meet Emily, you are no longer a stranger. As she has said many times, she is very much a "people person." I will miss her enthusiasm and her joy of living very much.
Jolly Steagall
August 27, 2004
Ms. Emily holds a special place in all our hearts. Ms. Emily was a dear-close friend of our Mom, Nalda Steagall and we all shared many great and fun memories. Her absence from our lives will be greatly missed.
Our heart-felt sympathy to the Rice family.
Lovingly,
Nalda, Jack, Jolly & Judy Steagall
Elinor Nichols
August 27, 2004
Dear Edna Ann, Elizabeth, and Catherine: Your loss is also my loss. Emily was one of my dearest friends, like a part of my family, and her passing leaves a large hole in my life. We had daily contact in some way, either by email, phone messages or through others passing along information from her about getting together. I already miss these and still find it hard to realize that I will have to rely on the precious memories I have stored in my heart. She was a precious lady, a loving and compassionate friend, and a wonderful person to know. Blessings to you all as I know how rough it will be for you during the coming days. May our very kind and loving heavenly Father watch over you and give you the faith and strength you need during this sad time. Lovingly, Elinor Nichols
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