Mrs. Margaret Thompson Rice, age 89, of Lumberton, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at her home. She was born on February 18, 1929, in Dillon, SC.

As a charter member of Godwin Heights Baptist Church, she loved caring for children in the nursery department for many years. Her love for children led her to open up Jerry-Ann Nursery School in 1961, of which she was the owner-operator until its closing in 2017. She was also an active member of the Ladies' Lion's Club of Lumberton, holding several offices, including President, throughout the years.

Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her first husband, Robert "Bob" Thompson, and her husband, Kenneth E. Rice.

She is survived by her children, George G. "Jerry" Thompson of Charlotte and Barbara Ann Thompson-Branch (Dennis) of Lumberton; one granddaughter, Katie Branch-Smith (Tommy) of N. Myrtle Beach, SC; one great-granddaughter, Alexis Smith; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday, February 16, 2019, from 1:00-2:00 PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc. in Lumberton. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM in the chapel with Rev. David Hawes and Rev. Kenneth Tarte officiating. Entombment will follow at Gardens of Faith Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lumberton Lion's Club, PO Box 256, Lumberton, NC 28359, or to Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina, PO Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.