Rosie Lee (Price) Rice

With heartfelt sympathy, we share the passing of Mother Rosie L. Rice, who peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the age of 94. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.

The Bud
“Every rose begins as a promise, a tender bud preparing to reveal its beauty.”
Rosie Lee Price was born on May 1, 1931, in Gadsden, Alabama, to the late Robert Price and the late Alice Maude Jamison. From the very beginning, Rosie radiated a gentle spirit, full of light, kindness, and peace. Her warmth and grace touched everyone she met, earning her the beloved nickname “Rose.” Educated in the Gadsden City School System, Rose carried herself with quiet dignity and a heart full of compassion. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a devoted member of Grant Chapel AME Church, where her faith blossomed and guided her throughout her life. Rose’s legacy is one of love, serenity, and unwavering faith. She will be remembered not only for the beauty of her soul but for the joy she brought to those fortunate enough to know her.

The Bloom
“With sunlight upon her and roots deep in love, she unfolded into a life of beauty, warmth, and purpose.”

On April 10, 1953, Rosie Lee Price was united in marriage to the late Joseph Rice, Sr. The couple made their home in Attalla, Alabama, where Rosie became an active and cherished member of the community. She was a proud member of the High Low Social Savings Club and, guided by her unwavering faith, rededicated her life to Christ. She joined Friendship Baptist Church in Attalla under the leadership of Rev. O.W. Lilly, where she faithfully served on the Usher Board for many years.

Rosie was employed by Watkins Construction Company and family, where she worked with dedication and pride until her retirement in 1991.
A rose in every sense of the word, Rosie was deeply rooted in love and resilience, weathering life’s storms with quiet strength and grace. She was preceded in death by her sons, Wilbert C. Bonner and Joseph Rice, Jr.; daughter, Brenda Bonner Laws; granddaughter, Laritha “Pinkey” Graves; sister, Ethel Mae Davis; and brother, Robert Price, Jr.

Rosie was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. Her home was a sanctuary filled with love, laughter, and comfort. She had a remarkable gift for making others feel seen and cared for, whether through preparing you one of her famous caramel cakes, a bowl of potato salad, a pan of macaroni and cheese, a hot skillet of cornbread, or a cold glass of her legendary lemonade. Everything she made was served with love.  Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family. Rosie became a mother figure to many of her children’s friends, always welcoming others with a warm smile, joyful laughter, and boundless compassion.
Even as her steps slowed, Rosie’s love and wisdom continued to guide and uplift those around her. She carried herself with dignity, humility, and a heart full of grace, a true matriarch whose legacy will live on in the lives she touched.
 
The Eternal Garden
“As the seasons changed her petals softened, yet her fragrance lingered- a reminder that beauty and love endure beyond the bloom.”
When her final petal gently fell on Thursday, November 6, 2025, Rosie Lee Rice was gathered into the eternal garden of heaven. Though she is no longer physically with us, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Rosie leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and inspiration that will continue to bloom for generations.

Cherished Family
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”
Rosie is survived by her devoted children, son, Michael Rice, Attalla, AL; daughters, Theresa Rice, Attalla, AL, Patricia Rice Milhouse, CenterPoint, AL, and Carla Rice Martin, Columbus, GA; sisters, Patricia Lawson and Gloria Price, Milwaukee, WI.  Rosie’s love also embraced her bonus daughter, Lesia Finister; special daughter-in-law, Brenda Dunning and bonus sister, Antoinette Benson.  Her joy lives on through her grandchildren, Charlet Bonner, Larnita Mitchell, Tyrone Laws, Jammal (Sasha) Jones, Kesha Jackson, Aisha Rice, Lamar Graves Jr., Michael Jackson, Kendra (Maurice) Davis, Corachassity Rice, QuaDiva Jackson, Tevin Rice, Dewaynna Martin, Jairee Rice, and Quaddrick (Zyaire) Rice.  Her memory is also cherished by 22 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends each touched by her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love.

Rosie’s life was a testament to grace, resilience, and compassion. Her legacy will forever be a guiding light to those who carry her love in their hearts.

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