Anita Claire Simms Rice, 90, went to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully on Sunday, December 17, 2023 in Shelby, NC.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Lucille Pritchett Simms. Anita served as a teacher for over 30 years, most of which were at Bethware Elementary School in Kings Mountain, NC. She served the children under her care with love and compassion, helping them become more proficient at reading. Anita welcomed everyone into her home and enjoyed sharing her love of gardening with others. She cherished her role as a Pastor's wife while often teaching ladies and children's Sunday School classes. She often looked for opportunities to share the gospel with others in her neighborhood, surrounding community, and internationally in both Jamaica and Haiti. She loved singing in the choir as well. She was a long-time member of Immanuel Baptist Church until her husband retired from the ministry. She, along with her husband, then served in various local churches one of which is Westwood Heights Baptist Church where she was currently a member. Most notably, she loved being a wife to her husband of 67 years and a mother to her 5 sons. Anita's aim in life was to faithfully serve her family as well as her church family consistently placing their needs above her own. She will be greatly missed! In addition to her parents, Anita was preceded in death by her son, David Rice and her daughter-in-law, Margi Rice. She is survived by her faithful husband, Rev. James "Jim" Rice of the home; 4 sons Jimmy Rice and wife Diana of Deerfield Beach, FL, Stephen Rice of Chapel Hill, NC, Daniel "Danny" Rice and wife Erin of Shelby, NC and Mark Rice and wife Melinda of Winston-Salem, NC. In addition, Anita is survived by 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Funeral services will be held at 3pm Friday, December 29, 2023 at Westwood Heights Baptist Church in Shelby, NC with the Rev. David Costner and Rev. Scott Caldwell officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, in the church. Burial will follow at 1pm Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Elmhurst Cemetery in Elberton, GA. Memorials may be made to Westwood Heights Baptist Church. Funeral services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home www.clavbarnette.com