Mildred Rice

Mildred "Millie" Lois Jones Harris Rice, 79, of Wickett, passed away Monday, March 9, 2015 at Odessa Regional Medical Center.

On June 3, 1935, Millie was born into this world, the oldest of ten children, in Teague, TX to John Milton and Lois Mae Jones. She was raised on her family's land near the Hopewell Cemetery in Teague. Having been raised in such close proximity to a cemetery helped fuel her kind heart and caring nature for not only the living, but also for those who have passed on; and thoughout her life she cared for many of both. As a nurse maid to the elderly and as a caretaker for several cemeteries and all the graves that had seemingly been forgotten; tending them, keeping them tidy and adorning them with any renegade flowers she may have found.

For many years, Millie was a member of the VFW women's auxiliary and "manned" her post with pride as countless voters passed through the poles. Millie loved her country, her flag, and had a huge soft spot for all veterans because she had enormous respect for their service and their sacrifice. Millie never knew a stranger and after just a short conversation she would have a friend for life. Millie was a lover of life and of family but she also loved her word search books and God's beauty found in nature, especially blue bonnets, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Millie was mother to 8 children having given birth to 3 of them herself. 16 grandchildren called her "Nana." She was called Nana by 22 great-grandchildren plus one more on the way. But countless "kids" called her Nana because each one of them was loved by her and her kind and loving heart.

Millie was preceded in death by her husband, James Robert Harris; sons, James Milton Harris and "Shasta" Rice; 2 daughter in laws, Elizabeth Marie Harris and Donna Rice; parents, John Milton and Lois Mae Jones; brother, "Buddy" Jones; and sister, Trudy Reynolds.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Rice; 8 children; 7 siblings; 16 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren, plus one on the way.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2015 from 1 - 8 PM at Harkey Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 11 AM at Wickett Baptist Church with Pastor James Waskom officiating. Burial will follow at Pyote Cemetery.