Debra Annette Rice was born March 6, 1959, to Eddie and Alice B. Rice in Macon, Mississippi.

At a young age, Debra accepted Christ and was baptized at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Hunter by her father, Deacon Eddie Rice.

She graduated from Noxubee County High School with honors and continued her education at Mary Holmes Junior College in West Point, Mississippi, where she also graduated with honors. Although her siblings relocated to the suburbs of Chicago, Debra remained in her hometown of Macon out of her deep love for the community.

Debra had a love for music, decorating, cooking, fashion, and, most importantly, people. She was a dedicated and faithful member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Macon, Mississippi, under Pastor Edward L. Williams. She served in various ministries and was often seen on Sunday mornings welcoming members and visitors at the door.

Her gifts and talents also led her to serve on the Beautification Committee for the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. One of Debra’s greatest joys was sharing her testimony of overcoming breast cancer, often speaking at events to inspire others through her journey of healing.

On Sunday, March 29, 2026, Debra transitioned from labor to reward. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Alice B. Rice; one sister, Jessie Ruth Jackson; one brother, Charles Robertson; and two nieces, DeShondra Rice and Jacqueline Robinson. Debra leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Fronterro (Shanita) Rice of Beach Park, IL, and Alex (Dr. Kimberly) Rice of Memphis, TN; special children, Samantha (John) Goodwin, Janice Stidman, and Sammie Stidman Jr. of Macon, MS; and one goddaughter, Kierra Nicholson of Macon, MS. She also leaves three grandchildren, Jaylan (Yeni) Rice of Chicago, IL, and Jacob and Anya Rice of Beach Park, IL; two brothers, Excell Robertson of Waukegan, IL, and Cartez (Tamika) Bonner of Memphis, TN; four sisters, Judy Rice Keener of Wadsworth, IL, Mary (Lloyd) Spencer and Kathryn Hawthorne of North Chicago, IL, and Virginia (Shelby) Mays of Zion, IL; along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Special friends include Daisy Stewart, Theresa Green, Ruthie Dell Cockrell, Katherine Pippin, Linda Kay, Ann Pruitt, Rosalind Spann, Dr. Travonder Dixon McCloud, and the Gordon Family. She also shared a special bond with “The Golden Girls”: Jossie Redmond, Opalee (William) Jordan, and Reverend Wyolene Pearson. Living out the scripture Leviticus 19:18, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” Debra cherished meaningful relationships with her neighbors who became dear friends: Pastor R.C. and Evangelist Myrtle Brown, Val and Carl Edwards, Bertha Cunningham, The Paulettes, The Tripletts, and The Cockrell/Sanders family.

Debra Annette Rice will be remembered for her faith, her servant’s heart, and her love for others.