Although it reads May 21,1956, the story of the birth of Madea's first-born daughter, Lizzie Pearl "Sister"
Rice has always been told. Upset and unable to attend church services at New Baptist Temple that day,
Dorothy Lee Porter and Walter J. Smith Sr. became parents to a beautiful, bright-eyed baby girl, whom
she named after her mother, "Elizabeth" and one of her sisters, "Minnie Pearl".

Together with her older brother, the late Johnny Otis Smith, they welcomed 3 younger sisters: Rosie Lee
Taylor (Jimmie), and Darlene and Doris Haney.

Life on Frisco was only the beginning of Lizzie's amazing travels and journey through this life. She met
the love of her life on Frisco Rd while her future in-laws, the late Queen Esther and Reuben Rice were
being a service to the community. I am sure we have all heard the story of her walking him a piece a 'way
home, only for him to turn around and walk her a piece a 'way home… not really getting anywhere, but
mapping the course of their future together.

Benny joined the USAF, and with Madea's blessings, Benny Will Rice married Lizzie Pearl Porter on
March 20,1973 in Sumter, SC. With Lizzie as his wife, they were inseparable. They were attached at the
hip and joined at the heart.

Together Benny and Lizzie began their legacy. Celestine Sherre Rice came first, and four years later
Phillip Roberto Rice Sr. (Tahsha). Their little family of four was beautiful, but it was just not yet
complete. Lizzie had always wanted 3 children, so after five years Venis Telela Rice-Norwood (Stephen)
was born. They were elated and finally complete, or so they thought. Thirteen months later they
surprised everyone when Leigh Christon Rice was born.

Lizzie and Benny moved back home to Columbus, MS so many years ago because to them, FAMILY IS
EVERYTHING. Lizzie has raised more children than can be counted, but the births of Miracle Posley and
Johnathon N. Rice were fuel to her soul. They are her forever children! Because children bring joy!
We can all agree that Lizzie Pearl had a work ethic that could only be given by God himself. Lizzie was a
Material Handler Supervisor at Microtek Medical for over twenty years when she retired.

Lizzie is preceded in death by her parents, her loving Husband, and two brothers, Otis Smith and Frank
Smith, Sr.

Lizzie also leaves to cherish her loving memories: 4 brothers, Paul A Smith (Julia) of Muscle
Shoals, AL, Tealester Harris, Walter J Smith Jr, and Kenneth J Smith all of Columbus, MS; 8
sisters: Rosie Taylor (Jimmie) of Columbus, MS, Darlene Haney of Indianapolis, IN, Doris
Haney of Columbus, MS, Evelyn Willis (George) of Cross, South Carolina, Thomasene
Moorehead (Ossie) of Rochester, NY, Amy Barksdale of Oxford, MS, Patricia Mitchell and
Sandra Daniels both of Columbus, MS; 5 Sisters-in-Love: Moriah Johnson, Queen Esther "QT"
Rice, Christine Kilburn, Daizy Meehan, and Loistine Hoskin. Along with 7 grandchildren, 7
great-grandchildren Lizzie also leaves a host of nieces and nephews that she loved as her own.