A life well-lived. A life well-loved.

Isolene Freeman Rice, born on June 13, 1938, went to Heaven as she was peacefully sleeping on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the age of 85 in Lumberton, NC. Two of her daughters were by her side.

Mrs. Rice resided at GlenFlora Nursing Home in Lumberton, NC, where she suffered from dementia for almost 10 years. She loved GlenFlora and considered it home. She always bragged she had the best room in the building, and that going there was the best decision she ever made. The staff loved her and took wonderful care of her. They would always tell Mrs. Rice's children how sweet she was. She remained sweet for the duration of her life.

Mrs. Rice is survived by her five children: Ginger Noble (Bo), Laura Sutherland (Jack), Tommy Rice (Kay), Sally Richardson (Bart), and Mark Rice. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Matthew Stephens, Mary Lindsay Noble Haley, Sherri Sutherland Bunch, Jack Sutherland, Jr., Stacy Britt Ivey, Caleb Britt, and Anna Richardson. Mrs. Rice had 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved greatly. She was so proud of all her family.

Mrs. Rice was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Mr. Thomas C. Rice; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Freeman; five brothers, Mr. Ralph Freeman; Mr. Carroll Freeman; Mr. Romulus Freeman; Mr. LeRoy Freeman; and Mr. Albert Earl Freeman; and one sister, Mrs. Betty Merle Freeman McPhatter.

Mrs. Rice had a profound, positive effect on those who knew her, and especially her children. She taught her children many life lessons, not only by words, but more so by example. She taught them to be loving, kind, generous, grateful, and unselfish. She often said she might not have everything she wants, but she has everything she needs, and for that she felt very blessed. Her endearing wit made her such a joy to be around. The common word that everyone uses to describe her, including family, friends, and acquaintances, is "Sweet". She became known as "Sweet Mama Isolene". She taught her children that family time and happy memories are way more valuable than material things. Most importantly, she continuously demonstrated her very strong faith in God.

Mrs. Rice worked for years at a daycare her sister owned and managed. Adult children today who were under her care at the time often recant how good she was to them, the positive influence she was on them, and the love they still have for her. The daycare was called "Joyland Nursery", and Mrs. Rice certainly helped bring joy to those children.

Mrs. Rice was a life-long member of Hog Swamp Baptist Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She and her husband made sure their children were there whenever the doors were open for service.

The family is receiving visitors at the home of Ginger and Bo Noble, at 401 Oxford Road, Lumberton, NC.

The funeral service will be held at Floyd Memorial Chapel, 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton NC, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, with visitation at 2:00 PM, and the service to celebrate her life immediately afterward at 3:00 PM.

A graveside service will be held at the Rice Cemetery immediately following the ceremony.

Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate Mrs. Rice's sweet life.