Page 2 - Mrs. Rice Memorial Program

The Life of Elizabeth Rice
Proverbs 31:10-31 “Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!”
This was the life and legacy of Elizabeth Rice, a faithful and loving phenomenal woman of God. Elizabeth was a warrior for God and people. She transitioned from laborer and reaped the reward of her 98 years of harvest on April 11, 2020 at Genesis Nursing Home in Westfield, New Jersey.
Elizabeth was a faithful, loving, and phenomenal woman of God.
Elizabeth was born to Frank and Mattie Tukes on March 25, 1922 in Reynolds, Georgia. She was the fourth child out of 10 chil- dren (Emma, Green Thomas, Maudie, Elizabeth, Eldora, Laura, Ora Lee, Rosabell, Emma Gene, and Mattie Pearl). The family later relocated to Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
In her early twenties, Elizabeth Tukes met Ulysses Rice Sr. of Richland, Georgia. Ulysses was a member of the United States Army having served in World War II. On October 7, 1945 Elizabeth took Ulysses’ hand in marriage. Out of this covenant and powered by love, five children were born: Ulysses Rice Jr. (Janice) of Warren, New Jersey; Delorice Rice of Neptune, New Jersey; Raymond Rice (Carolyn) of Lexington Park, Maryland; Rita Walker (Gregory) of Orange, New Jersey; and Jeffery Rice (Jeanette) of Leominster, Massachusetts.
Elizabeth was a devout women of God and she accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. She lived her life devoted to God and em-
bodied his heart and character. Elizabeth joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church under the late Reverend W.J. Harris in Newark, New Jersey. She served and toiled in God’s garden for over 40 years as an Usher, Missionary, and member of the Senior Choir, Bible Study, and of course Prayer Group. Elizabeth was recognized as a “Mother” of the church and to this day her legacy resides at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
After the passing of her husband Ulysses Sr. on May 8, 1995, Elizabeth relocated to Willingboro, New Jersey. During her time in
Willingboro she rejoined her childhood church, New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Trenton, New Jersey under the leadership of Reverend Stelle in which her mother was a founding member. Elizabeth later joined Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Larry Hopkins where she rededicated her life to God through baptism.
Elizabeth was a humble spirit. She embodied discipleship, evangelism, and grace by showing kindness, love, and friendship to her neighbors and community. Not only was she a Mother of the church, but she was a Mother figure to her community. Elizabeth was eager to help someone and regularly opened her home as a place of refuge and safety for those in need. She loved to cook, sew, and was a faithful church member and leader. One of Elizabeth’s best attributes was her love for God and family. Elizabeth knew the power of prayer and the Joy of the Lord was truly her strength. No matter the season, Elizabeth’s spirit never wavered. Elizabeth was known to sing and pray all night. Her five children would often awaken to the sounds of Elizabeth’s voice and prayers as she sang unto the Lord. It’s these precious moments they will always remember and cherish.
Through visits, phone calls, video messaging, and prayer Elizabeth’s family showered her with love and support during her time at Genesis Nursing Home. She would pray, sing, and share a word of God that would touch the spirit of the entire nursing home. Elizabeth and her family looked forward to these moments and they were very special.
No one anticipated or understood the effect the COVID-19 pandemic would have. However, at 98 years of age, she was still as sharp as a razor. Elizabeth realized her loved ones were unable to have physical contact with her and instantly knew that the world was unbalanced. Despite the restrictions, Elizabeth was never alone. When her family couldn’t be there, GOD was always present to comfort her spirit and mind. Through His love and grace, God made his way perfect, establishing her, strengthening her, and settling her in her Heavenly Home.
Elizabeth was welcomed into Heaven by her husband Ulysses Rice Sr. and granddaughter Monique Spruell.
Elizabeth leaves her legacy and has imparted her spirit to her 5 children (Ulysses Jr., Delorice, Raymond, Rita, and Jeffrey), 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Also remaining to celebrate her life is her loving and faith- ful sister Ora Lee Bauldock and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.