Naomi Terrell

Frances “Naomi” (Rice) Terrell, 93, formerly of Abilene, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, TX.

She was born the fifth of six children to Mittie and Verbie Rice on July 6, 1929, in Winters, Texas.  She graduated from Winters High School in 1946.  On January 16, 1954, she married Billy Terrell in Ballinger, TX.  He served in the army and then they moved to Brownfield, where Billy worked for Placid Oil Company. In 1960, Billy and Naomi had a daughter in Lubbock, Texas, Donna Jan.  In 1964, they were transferred to Louisiana.  They lived in Natchitoches for 28 years.  Naomi worked for an attorney and an insurance company for a short time and then began her employment with a Savings and Loan Association which later converted into a bank.  She began as a teller and was promoted through the ranks to Vice President, where she worked for 25 years.

After retiring, they moved to Abilene, Texas, where she spent many years as a volunteer for Hospice.  She also volunteered in the church office and worked part time for her brother, Roy, at his newspaper, The Journal, in Tuscola.  For several years she worked part time for the United States Postal Service in Abilene and served for many years as a volunteer for her church. She recently moved from Abilene to San Angelo, to live with her niece, Lana Martin, and her brother, Roy.

Naomi, was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and faithful friend.  She was a member of Broadview Baptist Church in Abilene. She especially enjoyed reading and cooking. She was known for her amazing banana pudding and Natchitoches meat pies.

Naomi was proceeded in death by her parents, her daughter, Donna, her husband, Billy, two brothers, Alvin Rice and Troy Rice, and a sister Velma Muller.

Survivors include a sister, Mildred Caudle of Houston, a brother, Roy Rice of San Angelo, a number of nephews and nieces, her special “kids” Major and Bonnie Lytton of Allen, her extended family and a whole host of friends.

She was a precious lady with impeccable integrity.  She was a true servant, who gave and never expected anything in return. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Services will be held at 2:00pm, Thursday, September 8, at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor David Cason officiating.  Burial will be in Elmwood Memorial Garden under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home in Abilene.

Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.