Mrs. Jean C. Rice was reunited with her beloved “Johnny” on Tuesday, Nov. 27, after a brief illness.
Jean was born Oct. 9, 1926, in Covington, the youngest child of Albert L. Sr. and Ruth Joseph Cross. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family which, in addition to her parents, included her brothers Albert L. “June” Cross Jr. and Theodore “Ted” J. Cross and her sister, Reba Cross Smith, formerly of Covington.
She graduated from Covington High School and attended Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, before returning to Covington. In the 1960s, she was the smiling face in the ticket window at the Visulite Theatre. She also worked at First National Exchange Bank, often in the drive-thru area behind the bank.
Jean’s most rewarding job was as school secretary at Jeter-Watson Elementary School for 20 years. Many of the children who passed through school when she was there remember her sweet voice and kind nature.
Jean married Wilton N. “John” Rice in 1971, in the chapel of the Covington First Presbyterian Church. They lived quite happily, a very companionable couple, until John’s unexpected death in 2001. They were devoted to their church where they both served in many capacities over the years. Jean had been a member since childhood. Jean and John enjoyed watching University of Virginia sports and gardening in the yard at their home in Oakwood Forest. They loved to travel and especially enjoyed visiting Williamsburg.
Jean will be remembered for her soft, kind eyes, musical voice and cheerful personality. She had a smile for everyone. Jean was loved by many and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, siblings and husband, she was predeceased by her niece, Carolyn S. Earehart, formerly of Covington.
She is survived by her nieces, Ruth Ellen Smith Ayers (Emmett) of Vinton and Linda Cross O’Dell (Roy) of Ridgeway; great-nieces, Cindy Earehart Rinker (Kenny) of Woodstock and Elizabeth Ayers of Salem and great-nephew, Scott F. Earehart (Carrie) and their daughter, her great-great niece Gracilyn, all of Clemmons, NC.
Jean also is survived by the Garcia family, Jimmy and Diane Garcia of Covington and their children Rachel, Quincy and Mitchell, who were very special to both Jean and John.
The funeral will be conducted 1:00 P.M. Friday, November 30,2018 at First Presbyterian Church by the Rev. James Slate. Visitation with the family will take place at 11 A.M. until time of the service at the church. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be members of the Covington Masonic Lodge 171 including Paul Burns, James Jennings, Buzzy Eggleston, Ryland Burchette, John Garrison, Richard B. Bowyer, Richard "Huck" Tyree and Jack R. Leitch. Alternate pallbearers will be Pat Loving and Robert "Buzzy" Hoke.
A reception will follow at Fudge Street Cafe, 109 E Fudge St, Covington, VA 24426 .
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.

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