Dora Rice

Dora Whitten Rice, 87, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at her residence in the Cottages at Traceway Retirement Community. She was born in Blue Springs, August 6, 1931, to Langston Agnew and Jessie Mae Potter Whitten and was raised in the Sherman area where she graduated Sherman High School in 1950. On June 30, 1967, she married Tom Rice and they shared 48 years together until his death on May 27, 2016. She worked at Bell South for 30 years before retiring. Dora enjoyed many hobbies such as square dancing with her husband, sewing clothes, working crossword puzzles and during her younger years, playing the piano. She was a long-time faithful member of Belden Baptist Church.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Right At Home and a special care giver, Mrs. Frances Cayson for the excellent care given to Mrs. Dora.

Survivors include her sister, Doris Gillespie of Tupelo; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Rice Gaither and her husband, Hubert "Buddy" Jr. of Clifton, Texas and Mary Glenn Rice Leach and her husband, Jack, H. Jr. of Rives, Tennessee; a host of nieces and nephews; and special friends, Joy and Lanier Young of Tupelo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tom Rice; three sisters; and four brothers.

Visitation will be from 12 until service time, Saturday July 6, 2019 at W.E. Pegues, Tupelo.

Services honoring her life will be 2 p.m., Saturday, July 6, 2019 at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Dr. Gary Gray officiating. Burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Whitt Gillespie, Frank Anderson, Jake Holcomb, Jason Leach, Jamie Jetton, David Gaither and Ricky Jackson.

The service will be live streamed and recorded for those who may not be able to attend at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .

Memorials may be made to Belden Baptist Church Building Fund, 4121 McCullough Blvd, Belden, MS 38826 or Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803.

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .