Rosie Mae Carson-Rice

Rosie Mae Rice was born on February 14, 1961, to Jessie Johnson and Maggie Carson. She departed this life in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.

She attended Benton Harbor Area Schools where she graduated in 1980. Rosie married Stanley Eugene Rice, Jr. in 1982 and from this union, two children (Seniqua & Antonio) were born.

Giving was her special gift from the Lord. She always wanted to give to others no matter what the situation was. Rosie brought joy and happiness to those who were around her but was never afraid to voice her opinion. She loved her children, husband, grandchildren, and siblings above all else. Her illness brought so much pain and hardship, and even in that, she would not give up. She struggled in this life with many trials, but never forgot to give God praise for bringing her through her valleys.

Rosie believed in working, which was why her work history was at various jobs such as Heath Company, Gast Manufacturing, and Orchards Grove Nursing Home. Her children were raised to value education and hard work.

Rosie resided in several cities and states over her life journey. She joined the New Paradise Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Willie T. Burton as a youth. As an adult, she became a member of Bread of Life Baptist Church under Pastor Robert DeFrance. Later, Rosie relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan and joined First United Church under Pastor Lenzy Bell. In those churches, she worked as an usher, the Nurse’s Guild, and on pastoral aid committees.

She enjoyed attending Strong Women of Faith Breast Cancer Support Group’s “Help A Sister Out!” Annual Breast Cancer & Health Conference founded by her sister, Bertha Carson-King. Rosie’s health was a challenge for many years, but started to decline in 2022. Even then, her faith would not allow her to stop being active, traveling or to complain about her illness.

On Easter Sunday, God decided that it was time for her to depart from this world and rest in His arms. He knew that the pain had become more than she could bear. Rosie was able to reunite with her mother, her brothers, her sisters, grandparents, and so many family members and friends who went home before her.

She is survived by her husband, Stanley Eugene Rice; one daughter: Seniqua Nicole Weaver (William) Dallas, Texas; one son: Antonio Rice, Benton Harbor, MI; a stepson: Stanley Eugene Rice, Jr.; and four grand- children. Three Sisters: Bertha Carson-King (Otis), Benton Harbor, MI; Sandra Johnson- Rice, Portage, MI; Eliza Denise Williford (Kent), Silsbee, TX; Three Brothers: Willie Carson Sr. (Virginia), Kalamazoo, MI; Walter Campbell, Battle Creek, MI; and James Johnson, Milwaukee, WI. Two sisters-in-law: Sandra Abrams (Greg), Benton Harbor, MI; and Andria Rice, Georgia; Six brothers-in-laws: Terry Rice, California; Elquin Rice, Las Vegas, NV; Curtis Rice (Jackie) Washington; Rickey Rice, Rev. Dennis Rice (Marie) Poplar Bluff, MO; and Greg Rice, Benton Harbor, MI; Godchildren: Onshonta Gavin, Willie Coleman, Diquindre Wiggins and Arneasha Anderson; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Loving memories are left in the hearts of many relatives, friends, and church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters: Dorothy Anderson and Lillian Carson; Six brothers: Willie C. Carson, Nathaniel Carson, Jessie Carson, Bennie Hairs, and Gary Johnson, and so many relatives and friends.

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