Lettie Katherine King Rice

Lettie Katherine King Rice, age 90 and a resident of Gulfport, MS passed away on Friday March 1, 2024, at her home in Gulfport, MS. 

She was preceded in death by loving husband, Albert Thomas Rice, Jr; father, Dana George King, Sr.; mother, Lettie Katherine Eighmey King; and brothers, Dr. Dana George King, Jr and Dr. Charles Eighmey King. She is survived by her son, Robert King Rice, Maj (ret) USAF; daughters, Karen Louise Rice, and Janice Lynn Rice-Alston (Kevin); grandson, Nicholas Albert Rice; sister, Mary Ruth King East; and many nephews, nieces and friends.  

Mrs. Rice was a native of Gulfport and spent most of her life on the MS coast. She was a graduate of Gulfport High School, Class of 1951 and was elected Miss Gulfport High School by her classmates. She attended Millsaps College for two years and later in life earned a BA from USM, with 2 majors, Philosophy & Religion and History, earning a 4.0 in both. She married her High School sweetheart Albert Thomas Rice, Jr, (AT) July 9, 1954, in First United Methodist Gulfport. They lived in Pensacola, FL while her husband completed his tour in the US Navy, and she was employed by the electric company. They returned to Gulfport, MS to start a family. Mrs. Rice was hired by USM Gulf Park Campus as secretary to the Dean, promoted to business manager of the campus and retired after 12 years employment.

She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church of Gulfport. She taught many Sunday School classes of all ages, participated in the lady’s church Circle Groups/United Methodist Women, led Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) during her children’s school years, was a member of the Disciples Sunday School Class and a den leader in the Cub Scouts,

Mrs. Rice enjoyed the outdoors; her yard is filled with many colors of azaleas and camellias. She enjoyed boating, camping, and water skiing on the Tchoutacabouffa River and in the Gulf of Mexico to Ship Island. She also enjoyed traveling and loved cooking and celebrating holidays with family and friends.  

Visitation will be at First United Methodist Church Gulfport Friday March 8, 2024, from 12:00- 1:00 pm, a celebration of life and reception will follow.  Interment will be held later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, 2301 15^th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501.  

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.