Bernice Morgan Rice

Bernice Morgan Rice, 85, of Manila, widow of Jake Rice, Jr., went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at St. Elizabeth's Place Nursing Center in Jonesboro. Born in the Blackwater Community near Manila, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Zola McCrackin Morgan and had been a Manila resident since 1949. Bernice had a great understanding of the meaning of life and family; the only thing that was greater to her was her faith and love of God. She was a wonderful witness for Jesus and she spent a lifetime studying the Word of God. Bernice will always be remembered for sacrificing of herself for the benefit of her friends and family especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took great pleasure in God's creation and enjoyed feeding and watching birds. She was a founding and faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church in Manila.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, Raymond Morgan; two sisters, Maxine Bates and Connie Mae Holt; and a son-in-law, Dwight Elton Still.

Survivors include her son, Jake "Bo" Rice, III (Renee) of Jonesboro; two daughters, Julie Ann Still of Bryant and Tammy Johnson (Scott) of Manila; one sister, Juanita Davidson of Manila. She also leaves eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila with Rev. Matthew Collier and Rev. Spencer Jake Rice officiating. Burial will follow in the Manila Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Saturday morning one hour prior to service.

Online guest register: www.howardfuneralservice.com