Martha Lide Searcy Rice was born February 25, 1923 to Reuben and Katherine Maer Searcy, in Columbus, MS. She died August 2, 2014 in Henderson, NV after living at Sienna Hills Memory Care. She was a long time resident of Columbus , a descendent of distinguished pioneer settlers and a Daughter of The Confederacy. She graduated from Lee High School where she was elected the first Homecoming Queen and a member of DBS Social Club. Mrs. Rice attended Mississippi State College for Women where she was a member of Rogue Social Club. She was also a beauty in the Mississippi State College Reflector. Mrs. Rice was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, which was co-founded by her great grandfather. Martha was christened, confirmed and married at St. Paul's. She was past president of the Earline Robinson Guild, treasurer of the Altar Guild and Daughters of the King. She taught Sunday school and helped start the Guild of the Christ Child. She was a charter member of Cherokee Garden Club and Docent of the Blewett- Harrison -Lee Home, and a life member of Columbus Junior Auxiliary. She was married to the late Colonel (Ret.) John Albert Rice, Jr. who preceded her in death on January 29, 2011 while they were living in Oxford, MS at Azalea Gardens Assisted Living. They had been happily married for 67 years. Martha is survived by her three children, John A. Rice III (Beth) of Oxford, MS , Diane Rice Carter (Wayne) of Henderson, NV and Katherine Rice O'Connor of Birmingham, AL., five granddaughters, Marian Barnhill Hinson (Jamie) of Kershaw, SC, Lisa Barnhill Britton (Vince) of Caledonia, MS, Natalie Parker McDonald (Wes) of Mountain Brook, Al and Tiffany Parker Stephens (Brad) of St. Louis, MO, Connie Rice Moss (Wes)also of Birmingham, AL and nine great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Katherine Searcy Horton of Columbus, MS. and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held in Columbus, MS at Friendship Cemetery on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 5:00 PM with Rev. Anne Harris officiating. Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with her services. The family request any memorials be sent to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 318 College Street, Columbus, MS 39701.
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