“Welcome to my Home Going Celebration.”

To God be the glory for giving me life. Giving all praises and honor to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please know that I have lived life to the fullest because I fell in love with “Jesus Christ” (this greeting was written by Mr. Stephen Rice to be included as part of his farewell to all his family, friends and love ones). Also in his notes he confessed on the anointing that was placed on his life by God at age seventeen (the call to be a preach God’s word).

On Saturday, November 13, 2010 Stephen made a comment and request known to his Sister, R. Tina Rice by stating to “I know you have done all you can for me, I am tired, I would like to come home to die” She complied with his request and at approximately 10:00p on Sunday, November 21, 2010 he boarded the eternal night train at his residence to his journey to be with the Lord.

Master Stephen (Steven) Jefferson Rice was born on September 8, 1970 and raised in the Choppee Section of Georgetown County, South Carolina to the late Lucian & Eva Rice. He was the thirteenth of thirteen siblings (eight boys and five girls). He showed his early propensity for engineering technology when he performed surgery on the farm equipment and different appliances around the house. Steven was driving the farm tractor by age 5. He loved all his brothers and sisters; however his brothers James, Marvin, and Lucious became his buddies.

Steven was to introduce Jesus Christ and baptized at the age of twelve at Hopewell Baptist Church in the Choppee Section of Georgetown County, South Carolina. After moving to the Metropolitan area in 1988, he joined with his sister R. Tina Rice, and became a member of the Greater Revelation Baptist Church (GRBC), 7617 Allentown Road, Ft. Washington, Md., under the leadership of Pastor Elijah Marshall and First lady Vernell Marshall. During his membership at GRBC he served on the Junior Usher Board, Young Adult Choir, Sunday School Committee, Trustee Board, Computer Committee, and Male Chorus, where he enjoyed leading his favorite song “Searching.” and also served as the Bowling Center Coordinator. In November 2009, Steven joined the Sanctuary At Kingdom Square, 9171 Central Avenue, Hyattsville, Maryland, under Pastor Anthony A. Maclin under watch care.

Steven was educated in the schools of Wi1liamsburg Country South Carolina. He graduated from the Pleasant Hill High School in June 1988 and their theme Song was “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”. Steven came to the Prince George’s County Maryland in 1988 on a two weeks visit to his sister R. Tina Rice and never returned to Georgetown County to live permanently. He attended Computer Trade School 1987/88, acquired his CDL Bus License and also received his degrees and Certificate of learning in Computer Information Science from Strayer College.

Steven was employed throughout the states of South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. over the years with several companies in various critical technical positions. Some of his employees: the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., as a System Administrator, Federal Realty Investment Trust, University of Maryland College Park as a IT System Programmer/Network Support, Fannie Mae as a Network Engineer, AC Technologies as Technical Writer, Federal Reserve Board as a System Administrator, Comsys as a Network Administrator, his most recent employer was US Resources (Contractor for the Executive Office of the President of the United States as NOC Engineer). He also worked as a Security Guard for a few years. He also served on the Ernest Johnson 2010 Election for Mayor Committee. Stephen was employed until his health started to fail.

Steven was a young man whom God made comparable to none. He was a very committed and dedicated individual in whatever capacity he served in life. He was always willing to give a helping hand or teach others anything he understood. Steven was a friend to anyone who allowed him to be their friend; however it should be noted that he would harass you and there were no exceptions. To him was to love him.

He was a loving father to his daughter Samaria, caring husband as well as a devoted professional in his career. His life served as an inspiration to all those who knew him because he was able to accomplish so much in such a short period of time. He was a man of incredible integrity, insight and tenacity. Yet, Master Stephen J. Rice will perhaps be best remembered for his seemingly fierce passions: serving his God, information technology, NASCAR car racing, all sports, singing, landscaping, riding his motorcycle, playing his harmonica, flying, speeding, and skiing. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his daughter and family. His loving nicknames were: “Tee boy,” “lost soul,” and “Jack Rabbit.”

On the Sunday, September 19, 2010, Stephen attended the 10:45am service at the Mt. Rona Missionary Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. During the service Pastor C. A. Thompson, along with Deacon Latare Whitaker started singing “I’ll Be Alright, Every Day Will be Like Sunday” and Steven caught hold Deacon Latare’s shoulder and marched up and down isle rejoicing with him” and holding Pastor Thompson sermon title “Aren’t You Tired of Going In Circles”.

He leaves in loving memory: his precious daughter Samaria D. Rice, :4 brothers: Lucious E.(Julious) New Haven, Conn, Rivers Charleston, SC, Marvin J.(Becky) Mitchellville, Md., James A.(Reba) Hemingway, South Carolina: 5 sisters; Julie Warren(Shelton) Hemingway, S.C., Isabella Funnye (Eddie) Georgetown, S.C., Evonne Brantley (Roger) New Haven, Conn., Hortense Skinner (Tyrone) Georgetown, S.C., R. Tina Rice, Upper Marlboro, Md.. 41 nieces and nephews, 50 grand nieces and nephews, 1 great-grand niece, and a host of relatives and friends. Special nephews are Patricia and Terrell Skinner. Special nieces: Eva Margaret Rice, Kara Rice and Angela Funnye. Special friend of Stephen and the family; Henry Bromell and Minister Willie M. & Purla Doster (Samaria’s god-parents)

Home Going Memorial Celebration Friday, December 3, 2010 6:30p-9p Greater Revelation Baptist Church 7617 Allentown Road Ft. Washington, Md. 20774. Pastor Elijah Marshall

Home Going Memorial Celebration Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 11a-2p Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church 6882 Choppee Road Georgetown, South Carolina 29440. Pastor Boyd McDaniels, Jr.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Rice

33 Entries

Roxane

August 8, 2014

Tina, George,James and family I know I am years late but I just found out Stephen passed and was shocked. I read all the beautiful things people said about him and they are all true. I remember him telling me when I was on a flight with turbulence just think of it as being on the bus riding through DC. Lol he was a person who could calm anyone and make them laugh. I know he will always be with you guys. Sorry for you loss and I know it's late..

My daddy and me~

Dyonn and Samaria Rice

January 8, 2011

You are gone but we are thinking of you ~ the memories you leave behind is a comfort to us in your absence~ which our daughter remembers you with so much love you have for her, daddy i will forever share you with everyone~

December 26, 2010

As we flashed back in the past remembering Steven, we shared many conversations and spending time together as a family which we deeply missed Steven~ Our daughter remembers him in prayer each night~

Forever Missed,
Samaria Rice and Dyonn Hall-Rice

George Rice

December 22, 2010

Well uncle Steven its the end of your Journey and the beginning of mine. I understood your pain and know you are in a better place. You will be forever missed and forever in my heart. I already see you in samaria. So, you will forever live on in her----> OH LORD HELP US! LOL

December 10, 2010

To George and Family
Having loss two close members of my family this year I truly understand the pain and sorrow you all are going through. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time.

With heartfelt synpathy
Niki Carroll

David Cheek

December 7, 2010

I knew Mr. Rice from work. It was always a pleasure to see him. He will be missed.

Scarlett Poston-Brisson

December 5, 2010

Thinking of You
Wishing you hope
in the midst of sorrow,
comfort in the midst of pain.

With Heartfelt Sympathy

Pleasant Hill High School
Class of 1988

In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing. -- Robert Ingersoll

Scarlett Poston-Brisson

December 5, 2010

With heartfelt condolences... My thoughts and prayers are with all that knew and loved Stephen.

Pleasant Hill High School
Class of 1988

Tammie Roberts

December 5, 2010

Pleasant Hill High--Class of 1988
Steven you will always be remembered and loved as a dear friend!

Tonie Brent

December 3, 2010

To Tina & Family
I will never forget Steve. He was a great person and a good friend to my husband. He was always joking around. I will never forget the very first song, he sang wih the RBC Male chorus, (I being searching for a long time.) Now he is at peace, no pain, no more sorry. God bless you and to let you know that earth has no sorry that heaven cannot heal.

The Brent Family

Thurston Livingston

December 3, 2010

To the Rice Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.

December 3, 2010

To Tina and the Rice Family, I know Steve is in a better place. No more hurting, being sick, everyday will like be Sunday. I will miss his pranks, and the smiles he could bring. I will keep you and your family in prayer.
With much Love - Mary Doster & Family
Prince Georges County, MD

Robert Brown

December 3, 2010

My condolences go out to the Rice Family. I worked several years with Steven when we both worked at the Executive Office of the President in the Network Operations Center. Those of us at the EOP who knew Steven well understood and laughed at his humor. He always spoke of riding a motorcycle. Our Father above has called Steven to be at his side. Enjoy the ride Steven, we will never forget you.

Gail Jones

December 3, 2010

To the Rice Family, Wishing you comfort and peace at this difficult time.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. "

Gail D. Jones/Delois Colbert/Roane

Sandi

December 2, 2010

I would like to send my sympathy to the Rice family during this time. I've known Steve for a long time and will miss the sound of his voice, but I know that his spirit lives on.

December 2, 2010

Tina, The words are hard to find to express what I would really like to say. You know that you were Steve's best friend, always. I am glad to have known and shared my life with him. We had some very special memories. May God continue to hold you. Gail

December 2, 2010

To Tina and family, you have my deepest sympathy on the home going of your brother and my little brother. Steven was a wonderful man who left us all too soon but he heard a higher calling beckoning him to come home. He knew that he would leave so many families and friends behind that would miss him deeply but he left us with memories of him hidden in our hearts. I will remember him as loving kind young man. I will keep you in my prayers as always sis stay encouraged.

Love always,

Dee and Gary

Carrie Doster DuBose

December 1, 2010

I will always remember Steve as always smiling and making me laugh because of the funny things he used to do. I just beleive he's another soldier that God has called home. Much Love
Carrie Doster DuBose

Lawrence Blackwell

December 1, 2010

Sorry to hear your brother passed away. I know you loved him and with all your faith you still will miss him, but that's okay. Let your faith in God shine thru you onto everyone around you. Your witness may make someone else strong during their time of need.

Nadeen Richard

December 1, 2010

Our deepest sympathy and our sincerest love goes out to your family in this time of great sorrow.

Dyonn's and Samaria Family
[email protected]

Keisha Jackson

November 30, 2010

Marvin

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Psalm 18:2
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Steve's light will shine forever in your hearts and minds and thru the great memories he’s left you.

Gail Lee

November 30, 2010

Steve you are missed in my heart, I loved to see you smile and I'm truly thankful that I had the chance to know you. To my friend Tina you are the best sister a brother could have. May God continue to bless you and your family. I love you always.

Roger & Dr. Earlene Hooker

November 29, 2010

To the family:

Roger and I send our sincere condolences in the passing of Stephen to his heavenly home. Continue to cherish his memories and let his spirit be alive in your hearts. Read John 14 in its entirety to comfort you during this time. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.

Barbara Prince

November 29, 2010

Tina
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Sam Taavoni

November 29, 2010

Tina, holding you and your family in the light and in my prayers during this difficult times.

Deborah Holland

November 29, 2010

Steve Rice was a very Humble young man that Loved God and God's People. He will be truly missed.

November 29, 2010

Steven...I know you are in a better place as you look upon our Saviors face. So my prayer goes out to your family who will miss you and love you eternally. You were a caring father to my grand-daughter Samaria and you will always live through her as she carries you in her heart. Away but not forgotten..

Love Eternally,

Evangelist Gayle A. Hall

Minister Willie Doster

November 29, 2010

May the Rice family take refuge in peace and contentment knowing that when God, the Master Recorder opens the book of life a notation recorded by the fingers of God Himself will read: Stephen Jefferson Rice, a humble, industrious, kind hearted servant who lived a life that willingingly put others first.

D arnette Davis

November 28, 2010

I will forever remember you my brother in law rest in peace and may light perpetually shine on you. D. Davis

Charlene Long

November 28, 2010

May God Bless you and your family.

Samaria Rice

November 27, 2010

Thinking Of You Daddy~ I Love You Very Much~

I cherish you Daddy~

Dyonn & Samaria Rice

November 26, 2010

Dear Steven,

Thank you for being a great father to our daughter Samaria Rice,
she will miss you greatly, but will never forget you!

With all our love,

November 26, 2010

Stephen Rice was a dedicated member of the Ernest E. Johnson campaign to win the Democratic nomination for Mayor of the District of Columbia. Despite Stephen's health problems he was determined to be a part of the campaign and work hard as everyone else attending rallies and debates all over the city. Ernest made sure that certain staff kept an eye on him at all times and that we had his sister Tina Rice's contact information. Although we did not do too bad; I know that if I had 20 healthy Stephen Rice's we would have won! My condolences and prayers are with the Rice family.
Yours truly,
Thomas Mills, Deputy Campaign Manager for
The Committee to Elect Ernest E. Johnson Mayor of the District of Columbia

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