Berniece Rice

Swannanoa Berniece Evelyn Rice, 85, passed away Monday, June 26, 2017 at the Mountain View Assisted Living Center. A native of Madison County, Mrs. Rice had resided in Buncombe County for the past 60 years. She had worked as a home healthcare aide, and had previously managed Impressions at the Asheville Mall, as well as worked as a wedding coordinator and floral designer on her own. She attended New Life Christian Center. The following are some of the thoughts and memories of Mrs. Rice, shared by the family: Greatest sister I ever had. She was a good sister that would do anything for you. She was a very sweet personshe was a sister and a mother to me, and I loved her. When we visited, she would cook from daylight to dark, no matter what you wanted. We all loved her homemade pancakes and biscuits and gravy. She treated everyone like family. Grandkids and great-grandkids were her life. She was always yelling at us to slow down when we rode our motorized toys. Best son-in-law she ever had. I was privileged to have her as a grandmother, and to have two mothers in my life. She spoiled me like a grandma would, whether she had it or not. She always made you feel loved. She always told you she loved you, and you had to say it back, no matter what, even if you were mad. She will never be forgottenshe was the best Momma a daughter could have. Mrs. Rice was the daughter of the late Henry Lee and Retta Murray Walker, and the wife of Wesley Herbert Rice, who passed away November 10, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her son, Michael Dean Rice; daughter, Joyce Jarvis; grandson, Brian Anthony; and brother, Carlos Walker. Surviving is her daughter, Vickie Holcombe and husband John (Togie); son-in-law, Mark Jarvis; step-son, Lesley Bowens; grandchildren: Shane Lanter (Jodi), Shannon Rice, Megan Tallent (Paul), Toni Holcombe, Selena and Tanya; Megan's father, Francis; great-grandchildren: Ezra, Solomon, Payton, Serenity, Caleb, Jacob, Jayden, Maddie and Claire; brothers: Vaughn Lewis Walker (Judy) and Dale Walker and wife Evelyn; nephews: Steve, Daryl, Johnny and Bobby; nieces: Elaine, Vicki, Joannie (Dan), and Jeanie; and great-niece, Jessica. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jason Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the Jesse Rice Family Cemetery in Mars Hill. The family will receive friends from 12:30 2:00 PM Sunday ay at the funeral home, and at other times at the home of John (Togie) and Vickie Holcombe, 52 Pearl Street, Canton, NC 28716. The family would like to offer a heartfelt Thank You to her nursing family at Mountain View Assisted Living Center: Angie, Tabitha, Bertha, Tina, Morgan, Shelby, Karissa, Serenity, Itzel, Maria, Alicia, Scarlet, and Alma, all of whom were with Momma Berniece and her family until the end. The love and care they showed her will always be remembered, and they will be a part of our lives forever. Flowers are appreciated, or memorial donations may be made to the family to assist with final expenses.