My Mother's Mother
Nona Raivia Rice was born on July 4, 1904, in Jefferson, Texas, to Lewis and Alice Allen. The youngest of nine children who all preceded her in death.Nona met and later married Thomas J. Rice in Kansas City, Kansas. To their union four daughters were born: Alice, Irene, Mary and Ruth. Three preceded her in homegoing.
Nona moved to Los Angeles, where she joined Second Baptist Church. Her church life was spent participating in the Alter Guild, Recruiter’s League, Christian Women on the Move. She was a member of the Berean Bible Sunday School Class and Stem #5.
Nona’s other involvements included the NAACP, Our Authors Study Club, Senior Citizens Club. She faithfully served in the kitchen until she could no longer serve physically. Nona was a member of Second Baptist Church for over forty years.
Nona loved to travel, from visiting relatives across the country to cruises to Hawaii, Haiti, Jamaica and attending national conventions.
Nona raised two of her grandchildren: Sharon and William Roper (affectionately know as “Tommy”).
When Nona began to slow down about ninety years young, she went to live with her youngest daughter Ruth and son-in-law John, whom she called mother and father. Her grandchildren Rachelle, Eboni, Deborah, James Jr., Chuck, Sharon, Cassandra and Gwen were always near to assist when needed.
On Saturday, April 3, 1999, after living a well and a happy life, Nona peacefully left this life for her eternal home.
Nona will be greatly missed by her daughter Ruth, son-in-law John; twelve grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, seventeen great-great-grandchildren who affectionately called her “Granny”; nieces and nephews throughout the United States and a host of friends.
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