On Tuesday, November 1st, 2022, Connie Juanita Allen Baker Rice, received her wings and went to walk amongst the angels at age 72. Connie, or “Mother Rice,” as many affectionately called her, was born on April 5th, 1950, in Norfolk, VA, to Welton and Harriet Wood. Connie was a graduate of Norfolk State University and Hampton University and held a Master of Arts Degree in Communication Sciences. She was a servant leader demonstrated in her early career choices where she taught in Norfolk Public Schools teaching learning disabled children and in her later career as an administrative assistant for the COGIC High-Rise Apartments. She also served in her church home, Faith Deliverance COGIC and in her community in many roles including the Norfolk District Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Missionary, Mother’s Board Member, Praise Team Member, and Joy Night coordinator of the past 7 years. Connie was a kind spirit, loved by all, and known for her beautiful smile and quick wit. She had a passion for caring for others, singing, especially on the praise team, and a gift for never missing any occasion without sending a card, and making sure that all her grandchildren, nieces and nephews had new socks for Christmas. Her greatest love was God and her family, and we were proud to call her Mom, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend. Left to cherish her memories is her son Harvey T. Allen Jr. (Camye); daughters, twins Karen Stokes (Howard) & Karnita McElveen, and Dianne Hornbeak (Libby); granddaughters Kayla Rodgers, Trinity Allen, Jasmine McElveen, & Cherie Hornbeak; grandsons Nicholas Madison and Devon Greenhow; sisters Patty Walker, Lila Evans, Annette Spivey (Artway), Wanda Bellamy, Claudia Romero (Hector), five great grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Connie was preceded in death by her son “Wawa”; Great-Grandson Kaiden Logan; five sisters Velma Barnes, Rose Wiggins, Edith Askew, Eunice Wood, & Carolyn Ridley; and two brothers Clifford Wood & Leroy Wood.
Connie Juanita Allen Baker Rice
Viewing
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Metropolitan Funeral Service
120 W. Berkley Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23523
Service
COME IN PERSON OR WATCH LIVE ONLINE
Thursday, November 10, 2022
12 Noon
Metropolitan Funeral Service
Berkley Chapel
Interment
Woodlawn Memorial Gardens
6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23502
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
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Previous Reggie G. Nesmith
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Lisa johnson says
November 5, 2022 at 9:25 pmMy sincere Condolences to the family.you are in my prayers during this difficult time
Tonia Denise Cuffee says
November 6, 2022 at 1:15 amBeautiful lady inside and out. We are so honored to have known you. Love, Tonia, Tylya ,& Tia
Lynn Godfrey says
November 6, 2022 at 11:21 amI am saddened to see the passing of my old friend Connie. It has been a long time since I’ve seen Connie, but she is that kind of person, once a friend, always a friend. Lil Harvey, Karen, and Karenita, this is sister ‘Akua’ way back in the Mitch days in the early 80s. Connie was a furious advocate for justice and the Christian tenets of love thy neighbor. I know you are sad now, but your Mother was a great exemplar of how to live this God given life. I pray your peace and the great memories of your mother will sustain you. God less.
MISSY. REGINA FAITH WILLIAMS says
November 9, 2022 at 10:19 amI AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. SHE WILL TRULY BE MISSED. YOU ALL ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. WE LOVED HER VERY MUCH. SHE WAS A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN OF GOD. BE BLESS
Peggy Spurlock says
November 9, 2022 at 9:46 pmMy condolences to you and your family. Praying for God’s peace and comfort.🙏
Angie Carney says
November 10, 2022 at 10:07 amPraying with and for you all.
The Carneys
Lester Hawkins says
November 10, 2022 at 8:51 pmMy sincerest condolences for you and your family at this time. You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
Vanessa Edwards, Head Family (Titustown, Diven St.) says
November 11, 2022 at 1:24 pmCondolences and prayers during this hour of sadness.
MISSY. REGINA FAITH WILLIAMS says
November 13, 2022 at 5:43 pmI AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. SHE WAS A GREAT WOMAN OF GOD. SHE LOVED GOD’S PEOPLE. WE ARE TRULY GOING TO MISS HERYOU ALL ARE IN OUR PRAYERS