Margie Rice Obituary

Margie Sellers Rice, August 20, 1936 - May 25, 2024, died peacefully at the age of 87 in Coppell, Texas. She was a beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend to many and was known for her infectious laughter.

Born in Decatur, Texas, she moved to Callisburg, Texas as a young child and grew up in a farming family where everyone pitched in. She excelled in school and was an active member of the 4-H Club. Margie pursued a bachelor's degree in home economics at Texas Women's University, graduating in 1958, and worked as the County Agent for Fannin County. She left Texas and attended the University of Maryland earning her Master of Arts degree in adult education with an emphasis in home economics. Margie returned to Texas and worked for the state 4-H office in Bryan before beginning her study for a PhD at Ohio State University. She taught classes at the University of Houston and Avery High School.

She is preceded in death by her parents Vida Mae and Cecil Sellers, and beloved husband, Walter Samuel Rice, serving as a Presbyterian minister throughout their marriage. They served in Pine Grove Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church Deport, and New Shamrock Presbyterian Church simultaneously. Throughout their long career, they also served in First Presbyterian Church Paris, First Presbyterian Church Itasca, First Presbyterian Church Chicota, First Presbyterian Church Clarksville, and Honey Grove Presbyterian Church. They shepherded their congregants through many births, weddings, holidays, and funerals.

Margie is survived by her sisters Mary Johns of Denton, Texas; Jean Heil and Jerry of Victoria, Texas; Cathy Hayes and Keith of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is loved by her many nieces and nephews and their families.

Margie was passionate about maintaining God's natural creation and was a charter member of the Red River Master Naturalists. She was involved in the Red River County Historical Society and the Dimple Community Center. She used her professional interest in home economics in the county home extension office.

Margie was an avid researcher and writer and wrote cooking columns for the following newspapers: Deport Times, Bogata News, Talco Times, Blossom Times, Paris News, and Detroit Weekly. Additionally, she and Sam were members of the Itasca Rotary Club. She participated in many women's circles and was a certified judge for flower-arranging shows.

Perhaps one of the many cherished memories of Margie is her great love for St. Patrick and Ireland. She blessed many with the dinners she hosted to celebrate her favorite holiday.

Funeral Services are 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Pine Grove Presbyterian Church (2677 State Highway 37 N. Clarksville, Texas 75426) on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Cindy Baker Burnett will officiate. Viewing and visitation with family begins at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Mr. Roger Beless, Mr. Jim Clark, Mr. Ron Hammonds, Mr. Jesse Holster, Mr. Jaret Heil and Mr. Kevin Heil.