Deborah Ann Rice

Deborah Graham Rice, a native and longtime resident of Bayou La Batre and Theodore, AL, died suddenly and unexpectedly on October 2, 2022 in a local hospital. Heaven's gates opened to receive her and she is now playing the Golden Grand Piano in Heaven for her mom and dad and all the other saints that have gone before her. "Debbie" was a 1977 graduate of Peter F. Alba High School, attended the University of Montevallo, and was part of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She obtained a Bachelor's of Music degree and then pursued a Master's of Music Therapy at Florida State University. She used her musical talents at first in psychiatric facilities in Florida but returned to her home town of Bayou La Batre after 7 years and brokered shrimp and worked in the family business. She was smart, strong, hard-working, and had the "Graham" trait of being opinionated. We never had to guess her position about life or any other topics. Due to unexpected events in the company, she returned to her passion of music and used her God-given talent to teach students music at St. Luke's Episcopal School and St. Dominic Catholic School, as well as playing any type of instruments in local churches. She later retired to enjoy life and care for her spouse, Richard Rice, whom she married on January 28, 1994, as well as her mother, Ann Graham, until her passing in April 2021. She continued to use her musical talents to honor and worship God by playing weekly at Dauphin Island Methodist Church. She loved and actively supported her children and grandchildren. She was so proud of them and shared stories daily of their accomplishments. She loved her brothers and sister and had a special bond with each of her 5 siblings. She spoiled her 3 dogs as well. She was known for her flamboyant attire including her shoes, hats, and every piece of jewelry she could layer to maker that perfect outfit. We all were aware of her love for shopping and the numerous packages that showed up on the front porch daily. She pampered herself weekly with manicures, pedicures, massages, and eyelash extensions. We could not wait till the next family function to view this masterpiece. She was lavish in her living but so generous in her giving. What a "masterpiece" God made in Deborah Graham Rice. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Dayton and Ann Graham. She is survived by her husband, Richard Rice; children, Carolyn (Daniel) Taylor and Thomas Graham Rice; step-children, Shane (Arwen) Rice, Ricky (Mandee) Rice, Leesette Rice, and Julianna Rice; 5 grandchildren; 4 brothers; 1 sister; many aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Visitation will be held on Monday October 10, 2022 from 10 AM-12 PM at Serenity Funeral Home, followed by service at 12 Pm. Interment will be held in Oddfellows Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Dauphin Island Methodist Church.

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Deborah Ann Rice

July 6, 1959 - October 2, 2022