Beatrice Rice

Mrs. Beatrice (Bea) Eaker-Rice, age 50 of Cohutta, GA went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 11,2013 after battling cancer for nearly 12 years. She was born in Port Huron, MI on June 28, 1963, daughter of George, Sr. and Glennie Lane, both of Port Huron, MI. She was preceded in death by numerous friends and relatives, but longed most to see her grandmother, Lena Joyce Lane, who passed away when Bea was just a little girl. Many years later Bea accepted Christ as her Savior and knew without any doubts she would be reunited with her beloved grandmother, family, friends and especially her Savior one day. Bea leaves behind her loving and devoted husband, Tim Rice, who walked beside her during the best of times, stood strong for her during the tough time, and loved her without end; three daughters whom she loved without measure, and would do whatever she could for them and their well being, Michelle Eaker of Cohutta, Melissa Harness and her husband Sgt. T.J. Harness of Clarksville, TN, and Lena Campbell of Ringgold; parents, George, Sr. and Glennie Lane of Port Huron, MI; and three brothers and sisters-in-law, George, Jr. and Mary Lane, Robert and Dana Lane, and Beryle and Freja Lane, all of Port Huron. Bea was blessed and loved by five beautiful grandchildren who were her pride and joy; Savannah, Phillip and Colby Eaker, and A.J. and Christian Harness. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Many times the Lord knows that the road ahead of us is going to get a little rough, and that we will need someone special to come along and walk it with us. In September 2010 the Lord sent Bea into the lives of Sabrina Williams and her family, Tony, Taylor, MaKailea, and Jessye. Their friendship, love, and bond for each other quickly grew, and they soon realized that family could be more than just flesh and blood. Because God brought them together they were more than friends, they were God-sisters. Bea was employed with Gordon Hospital. She worked as a Scrub Tech in the OR department. She loved her job and the wonderful group of FRIENDS even more. Even though she battled cancer continuously for the last 3 ½ years, she rarely missed a day of work. She would work right after a chemo treatment, and would never fully admit or show how much pain she was in just so she could surround herself with all her friends and the job she loved. Her will power, determination and love for her Savior were an inspiration to them all, and in return they helped her and loved her through some of the roughest days of her life. Sharon Bass, Edena Rushing, Amanda Williams and countless others were her biggest cheerleaders, encouragers, shoulders to cry on, and prayer warriors. They ALL held a very special place in her heart. Bea loved to crochet, quilt, and make knot blankets during her spare time or times of discomfort. When she knew someone she loved was having surgery, going through a rough time or “just because”, she would give them one of her special blankets as a reminder of her love and prayers for them. Bea was loved by so many because of the love and encouragement she first gave to them. She was a role model for many new cancer patients. Her wisdom, “tricks”, encouragement, kind words, and prayers helped them through some of their tough days and gave them the hope they needed for their own battle with cancer. Bea always thought of others before herself. She gave more of herself to those around her than she ever received in return and she was truly happy that way. Every person whose life she touched in some special way is greatly blessed to have known and be loved by such an amazing lady. Through all the ups and downs of having cancer she never lost hope and always saw the good in every situation. “No” was never an option for her and she never gave up. Her strength and determination could never be measured because she displayed them unfailingly. No matter what “storm of life” came her way she faced them with a smile, and gave God honor and glory for it all. Bea leaves behind a legacy of strength, faith, hope, and love…but the greatest of them all is LOVE. A memorial service to celebrate the beautiful life of Mrs. Beatrice (Bea) Eaker-Rice will be held on Monday, July 15, 2013 at 7:00 PM from the chapel of the Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home, with Chaplin Dave Smith and Tony Williams officiating. The Rice family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM until the service hour of 7:00 PM. Online condolences may be expressed and the guest book signed at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home, a legacy of compassion and care, is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Beatrice (Bea) Eaker-Rice, age 50 of Cohutta, GA.

Beatrice Rice

June 28, 1963 - July 11, 2013