Barbara Grimes Rice, of Davidson, NC, passed away peacefully at her home at The Pines at Davidson on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the age of 76. She was born on December 11, 1946, in Lumberton, NC, to the late Eugene Grimes and Sara Grimes.

Barbara had a long career as a caregiver of children and earned a Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She retired with the state of North Carolina, where she had worked as a clerk at the Robeson County Clerk of Courts Office, as a teacher at Robeson County Mental Health, and as a special education teacher in Robeson and Johnston County. After her retirement, she worked as a beloved preschool teacher at First Baptist Church Four Oaks.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George W. Rice; her brother, Robert Grimes of Myrtle Beach, SC; and her sister, Cathy VanDusen of Atlanta, GA.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Ann Marie McAfee and husband Keith McAfee of Charlotte, NC; her son, David Rice and his husband Keith Cogdill of Washington, DC; her brother, John Grimes, Sr.; and three grandsons: Zachary McAfee, Benjamin McAfee, and Elijah McAfee.

The family will gather and receive friends at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC, on Thursday, December 7, 2023, from 6-8 pm.

A graveside service will be held at Gardens of Faith Cemetery, 5190 N. Fayetteville Road in Lumberton, NC on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 2:00 pm, officiated by the Rev. John Norman of Four Oaks, NC.

Barbara approached each day with positivity, creativity and determination. Her deep and unconditional love will be cherished by her family and friends, as well as the community where she lived.

In honor of Barbara's life and her commitment to education, contributions can be made to The Pines at Davidson, 400 Avinger Lane, Davidson, NC 28036. This charitable organization held a special place in Barbara's heart and any donations made in her name will continue to support the community she held dear.