Clara Mae Rice Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

The world opened its arms and welcomed Clara Mae Bacome Rice on January 11, 1934, in Sweetwater, TN. Being one of two children by the late James Mack and Anna Ida (Cannon) Bacome, she grew into a talented and skilled woman who possessed a strong interest in playing melodious music on the piano. Therefore, because of this aspiration, her parents helped cement her “gift” of music by purchasing a piano. With formal training, Clara went on to master the art of the piano. Consequently, she became a member and church pianist at Cedar Grove Baptist Church where she involved herself in the church choir, served as the church secretary, taught children’s Sunday school and served on the kitchen committee. Not only did she serve at her home congregation, her natural ability with music led her to serve with other congregations’ choirs, thus using her God given talent to exalt God’s name during their services. Clara always looked for opportunities to serve. She uniquely devoted time to family, friends, church, and even strangers that just may have crossed her path. “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” What a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend. She wore each of these hats with pride and filled the shoes that none can fill. Being “blessed” spread to family members like the aunt and special needs daughter by marriage she cared for until their death. She also had a special aunt who was very ill which she would go and care for each day until she passed away as well. Always willing to lend a helping hand and just take care of others. What a beautiful sweet memory and legacy to leave to the world. Her husband knew he had a damsel who stood side by side with him until his light failed dim. Equally, her children knew too that a mother as such is to be called “blessed.” Definitely, Clara was everything to all people who were fortunate enough to know her. As we reflect on conversations with others it somehow is always brought to mind that in some way or via someone Clara has touched their lives with her undying love and compassion. Sweetness not only covered her personality and spirit, Clara had a passion for baking delicious sweets including pound cakes, pies, rolls, and the list goes on. To know her was to know the “taste” of her sweets. Clara was married to James J. W. Walter Rice on November 16, 1957 right in the living room of her parent’s house with her parents looking on in great favor and anticipation of the future for them. To their union, two children were born. Lesa Annette (Dennis) Cain and Paul Timothy (Shaunnellia) Rice. And from this, 5 beautiful grandchildren Cody Terrell (Deshawn) McCrary-Rice, Carla Elyse and Lauren Denise Cain, Breanna Elizabeth and Shaylea Annette Rice. The Rice family is small but so strong. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Anna Bacome, a brother James “Jimmy” Bacome, a sister Lenora Williams, son-in-law Dennis Cain, and her beautiful husband of 62 years James “J.W.” Rice who passed away on October 19, 2019. Clara leaves to mourn her passing her devoted and loving daughter and son, five grandchildren, many dear cousins, family and friends. Our family may never know how many lives she touched in her own special way. God blessed us with a true angel here on His beautiful earth. We give thanks to our God at every remembrance of you. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 7, 2020, at Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 P.M. with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 P.M. in Kyker’s Chapel with Rev. Lionel Moore officiating. Interment to follow in the Sweetwater Memorial Park. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com

Clara Mae Rice

January 11, 1934 - October 29, 2020