Martha Ann (Stevenson) Rice

Martha Ann Stevenson Rice, 81, widow of Walter Francis Rice, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 1, 2021.

Born in Belton, she was the daughter of the late Joel Manning and Ellie Mae Corbin Stevenson.  Martha’s greatest joy in life was providing unconditional love and care to whoever needed it.  She was a true caregiver to her children and others through her work in foster care and her daycare center.  She and her beloved husband were also honored as Foster Parents of the Year by the State of South Carolina.

She is survived by 13 children and their families: Joyce and Roy Hinton of Piedmont, Melinda and Danny Freeman of Piedmont, Tammy and Neil Wilson of Honea Path, Ann and Mitch Shaw of Indian Trail NC, Christina and Craig Moore of Easley, Shaun Rice of Anderson, Earl Rice of Shelby NC, Chris and Alisha Rice of Seneca, Margaret Smith of Rutherfordton NC, Cari and Jarvis Cothran of Pelzer, Amanda and Steve Oltz of Honea Path, Tara Rice of Greenville, and Kevin Rice of Anderson; a sister, Geraldine Getsinger of Greenville; 25 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and extended family that included many special nieces, nephews, and foster children . . . “too many to count!”  Also, Julio Rodriguez, who she loved like a son, and dear friends Betty Wilson and Addie Johnson.

She was predeceased by a son, Walter Keith Rice; a grandson, Jacob Manning Moore; and brothers Mackey Ray and J.B. Stevenson.

Services will be conducted at 2 pm Thursday, February 4, at Belton Church of God with Rev. Norman Black and Rev. Dr. Eddie Allen officiating.  Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:45 pm until 1:45 pm and respectfully requests masks be worn. 

Martha was a devoted member of Belton Church of God.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Belton Church of God, 313 North Main Street, Belton, SC 29627.

The family will be at the home of Tammy Wilson, 241 French Road, Honea Path.

Cox Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rice family.

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