Alberta (Willis) Rice

Alberta Harris, born on November 6, 1952 in Abbeville, Louisiana, was one of the children born to Rosabelle Willis and James Harris. Having been baptized early in life, Alberta continued to honor and praise Jehovah with unwavering faith, throughout her years.  As a proud graduate of the first integrated class of Abbeville High School and the one who achieved the highest honors, graduating at the top of her class, Alberta shined both in the classroom and on the sidelines, where her spirited, graceful presence enlivened as a cheerleader.

Following graduation, she wed the love of her life, Hayward Rice, Jr..  Their union was richly blessed by Jehovah with three children: Hayward III, Aundrea, and James.

Alberta had a gift for cooking, pouring love and joy into every dish she made. This passion blossomed into a devoted career with the Houston Independent School District, where she lovingly served students and staff in Food Services for over two decades.

With a heart anchored in faith, Alberta found joy in praising Jehovah, and her spiritual walk was evident in the kindness, generosity, and unfailing support she offered to all those around her who loved her deeply. Above all else, Alberta, lovingly called Berkie, treasured every moment with her family. Whether laughing, dancing, or even casting a line to fish, she embraced life fully and created lasting memories with those she loved.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength to be cherished by her husband of 54 years, Hayward Rice, Jr.; her children: Hayward Rice, III (Cecelia), Aundrea Rice, and James Anthony Rice (Tomise); her precious grandchildren: Zachariah Rice, Xavier Rice, Aubrey Rice, and James Rice, Jr.;  her loving sisters: Mary Lee Thompson of Abbeville, Louisiana and Rose Nunez of Houston, Texas; two sisters-in law: Sandra Brailey and Pearl Elaine Plowden, both of Abbeville, Louisiana, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two siblings: Hubert Bessard and Brenda Matthews; four sisters-in-law: Faye Willis, Debra Rice, Eva Bessard, and Linda Brannon, and five brothers-in-law: Donald Plowden, Nolan Brailey, Albert Thompson, Robert Nunez, Sr., and Howard Matthews, Sr.

Alberta will be remembered for her radiant smile, her unwavering love for her family, and the gentle grace that guided her through life. Her memory will live on in our hearts always.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alberta (Willis) Rice, please visit our floral store.