Anita Rice

Anita Maria was born on Friday, January 25, 1952, to Carl L. Moore and Mariam Horton in Huntsville, Alabama. She transitioned from this earthly life on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

Anita was reared in a Christian home by her paternal grandmother, Lucille Jones. Anita was a member of Concord Missionary Baptist Church, Clarksville, TN. She faithfully served as a Mother of the church and in the kitchen ministry, until her health failed.

She graduated from S.R. Butter High School, Huntsville, AL with the Class of 1970. She attended Calhoun Junior College, Decatur, Al and graduated with the Class of 1972. She worked 27 years as a civil service employee and retired as an office automation specialist on December 31, 2014, from the Law Enforcement Command, Ft. Campbell, KY. She was part owner/operator of “Willie’s Down Home Custom Cooking” for many years.

Anita met Willie Rice at college and he declared that he was going to marry her. On Tuesday, May 1, 1973, they united in holy matrimony and this union was blessed with three sons.

Being a military spouse, Anita traveled extensively, meeting people from around the world. Her gift was hospitality, she loved cooking and could really make you smile with her culinary skills. She enjoyed playing cards and video poker. She had a quiet spirit and loving nature. She was kind and thoughtful and never met a stranger. A caring mom and grandmother. Though small in statue and a quiet demeanor, she was a giant in her faith and strong (loud) when required.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her paternal grandmother, sisters: Dollie A. Hebb, Angela Hebb and BFF, Taraysa Jones.

She leaves precious memories to be cherished and shared by her devoted husband of 52 years, Willie Rice, Sr.; sons: Carlos L. (Nikki) Rice, Rodney A. (Tina) Rice, all of Clarksville, TN and Willie (Deanna) Rice II, St. Louis, MO; eight grandchildren: Carlos “CJ”, Corey, Courtney, Jada, Camryn, Caliah, Julia, Cedarius, and one great-grandchild; stepmother, Posie Henley; uncle, Clayton (Michelle) Jordan, Decatur, AL and a host of family and friends