Obituary of Stephen Jefferson Rice

“Welcome to my Home Going Celebration.” To God be the glory for giving me life. Giving all praises and honor to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please know that I have lived life to the fullest because I fell in love with “Jesus Christ” (this greeting was written by Mr. Stephen Rice to be included as part of his farewell to all his family, friends and love ones). Also in his notes he confessed on the anointing that was placed on his life by God at age seventeen (the call to be a preach God’s word). On Saturday, November 13, 2010 Stephen made a comment and request known to his Sister, R. Tina Rice by stating to “I know you have done all you can for me, I am tired, I would like to come home to die” She complied with his request and at approximately 10:00p on Sunday, November 21, 2010 he boarded the eternal night train at his residence to his journey to be with the Lord. Master Stephen (Steven) Jefferson Rice was born on September 8, 1970 and raised in the Choppee Section of Georgetown County, South Carolina to the late Lucian & Eva Rice. He was the thirteenth of thirteen siblings (eight boys and five girls). He showed his early propensity for engineering technology when he performed surgery on the farm equipment and different appliances around the house. Steven was driving the farm tractor by age 5. He loved all his brothers and sisters; however his brothers James, Marvin, and Lucious became his buddies. Steven was to introduce Jesus Christ and baptized at the age of twelve at Hopewell Baptist Church in the Choppee Section of Georgetown County, South Carolina. After moving to the Metropolitan area in 1988, he joined with his sister R. Tina Rice, and became a member of the Greater Revelation Baptist Church (GRBC), 7617 Allentown Road, Ft. Washington, Md., under the leadership of Pastor Elijah Marshall and First lady Vernell Marshall. During his membership at GRBC he served on the Junior Usher Board, Young Adult Choir, Sunday School Committee, Trustee Board, Computer Committee, and Male Chorus, where he enjoyed leading his favorite song “Searching.” and also served as the Bowling Center Coordinator. In November 2009, Steven joined the Sanctuary At Kingdom Square, 9171 Central Avenue, Hyattsville, Maryland, under Pastor Anthony A. Maclin under watch care. Steven was educated in the schools of Wi1liamsburg Country South Carolina. He graduated from the Pleasant Hill High School in June 1988 and their theme Song was “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”. Steven came to the Prince George’s County Maryland in 1988 on a two weeks visit to his sister R. Tina Rice and never returned to Georgetown County to live permanently. He attended Computer Trade School 1987/88, acquired his CDL Bus License and also received his degrees and Certificate of learning in Computer Information Science from Strayer College. Steven was employed throughout the states of South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. over the years with several companies in various critical technical positions. Some of his employees: the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., as a System Administrator, Federal Realty Investment Trust, University of Maryland College Park as a IT System Programmer/Network Support, Fannie Mae as a Network Engineer, AC Technologies as Technical Writer, Federal Reserve Board as a System Administrator, Comsys as a Network Administrator, his most recent employer was US Resources (Contractor for the Executive Office of the President of the United States as NOC Engineer). He also worked as a Security Guard for a few years. He also served on the Ernest Johnson 2010 Election for Mayor Committee. Stephen was employed until his health started to fail. Steven was a young man whom God made comparable to none. He was a very committed and dedicated individual in whatever capacity he served in life. He was always willing to give a helping hand or teach others anything he understood. Steven was a friend to anyone who allowed him to be their friend; however it should be noted that he would harass you and there were no exceptions. To him was to love him. He was a loving father to his daughter Samaria, caring husband as well as a devoted professional in his career. His life served as an inspiration to all those who knew him because he was able to accomplish so much in such a short period of time. He was a man of incredible integrity, insight and tenacity. Yet, Master Stephen J. Rice will perhaps be best remembered for his seemingly fierce passions: serving his God, information technology, NASCAR car racing, all sports, singing, landscaping, riding his motorcycle, playing his harmonica, flying, speeding, and skiing. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his daughter and family. His loving nicknames were: “Tee boy,” “lost soul,” and “Jack Rabbit.” On the Sunday, September 19, 2010, Stephen attended the 10:45am service at the Mt. Rona Missionary Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. During the service Pastor C. A. Thompson, along with Deacon Latare Whitaker started singing “I’ll Be Alright, Every Day Will be Like Sunday” and Steven caught hold Deacon Latare’s shoulder and marched up and down isle rejoicing with him” and holding Pastor Thompson sermon title “Aren’t You Tired of Going In Circles”. He leaves in loving memory: his precious daughter Samaria D. Rice, :4 brothers: Lucious E.(Julious) New Haven, Conn, Rivers Charleston, SC, Marvin J.(Becky) Mitchellville, Md., James A.(Reba) Hemingway, South Carolina: 5 sisters; Julie Warren(Shelton) Hemingway, S.C., Isabella Funnye (Eddie) Georgetown, S.C., Evonne Brantley (Roger) New Haven, Conn., Hortense Skinner (Tyrone) Georgetown, S.C., R. Tina Rice, Upper Marlboro, Md.. 41 nieces and nephews, 50 grand nieces and nephews, 1 great-grand niece, and a host of relatives and friends. Special nephews are Patricia and Terrell Skinner. Special nieces: Eva Margaret Rice, Kara Rice and Angela Funnye. Special friend of Stephen and the family; Henry Bromell and Minister Willie M. & Purla Doster (Samaria’s god-parents) Home Going Memorial Celebration Friday, December 3, 2010 6:30p-9p Greater Revelation Baptist Church 7617 Allentown Road Ft. Washington, Md. 20774. Pastor Elijah Marshall Home Going Memorial Celebration Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 11a-2p Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church 6882 Choppee Road Georgetown, South Carolina 29440. Pastor Boyd McDaniels, Jr.