UNION — Mrs. Essie Mae Greer Rice, 91, widow of the late James Rice Sr. and the mother of the late James Rice Jr., departed this life on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. Her transition was peaceful with one of her granddaughters, Robin Miller, and one great-grandson, Pastor Lawrence Rodgers and wife Bettae, by her side.

Mrs. Rice was one of the oldest, active and devoted members of St. Paul Baptist Church (Rev. A.L. Brackett), President of the Jubilee Choir for many years and was an Eastern Star. She had a passion for singing, traveling and helping others in anyway she could. She will always live in the hearts and minds of all those who loved her. She can rest assured that her life was well lived and her job well done.

She leaves to mourn her passing four daughters, Mrs. Ida E.R. Whitfield of Union, Mrs. Barbara Woods and Mrs. Helen Vanterpool, both of Bronx, N.Y., and Mrs. Elsie R. Martin (Carl) of Goldsboro, N.C.; one brother, Roland Greer (Lucinda) of Richmond, VA; two sisters, Mrs. Emma Jeter of Spartanburg, SC and Mrs. Bessie Helen Sisco of Philadelphia, PA; 10 grandchildren, Delbra Rice, Adrianne Woods, Robbie Whitfield Rodgers, Darlene Woods Conely, Robin Whitfield Miller, Tabatha Woods Young, Helene Vanterpool, Gary Christopher Rice, Dr. Larry Rice, Dr. Ivy Rice Naartijorbi; 14 great-grandchildren, Lawrence, Whitney, Kevin, Keith, Antionette, Daniel,Ciara, Bria, Latisha, Tina, Stephan, Claire, Victoria, Filipino; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Graveside services were at Beatty’s Chapel Dec. 26, 2011 with Rev. James E. Farr Jr. officiating.

Lewis Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements

Please sign the guest register at lewisfuneralhomeofunion.com.