Leatrice Joy Rice

Leatrice Joy Rice was born on July 2, 1928, in Seattle, WA, to Arthur B. Rice and Isabel Smith-Rice. Leatrice had one
older sister, Marrietta Rice. Due to their mother’s hospitalization and subsequent death, at a young age, Leatrice
and Marietta were taken to Los Angeles, CA, to live with relatives. After a few years in Los Angeles, Leatrice
returned to Seattle in the late 1940s.
Leatrice spent nearly a century cultivating a life rich in creativity, intellect, and community engagement. Although
she had no formal education, she was self-taught and deeply curious about the world around her. Her inquisitive
nature was evident in her wide-ranging interests and articulate conversations. She had the extraordinary ability to
engage others with her thoughtful insights and presence. Whether discussing current events or sharing reflections
on literature and community, she brought depth and clarity to every exchange, even when her vivid imagination
created debates from which she would never back down or concede.
For over 45 years, Leatrice lived in Seattle’s Yesler community. She became a familiar face and a well-known voice
among neighbors and the Yesler community leaders. Her active participation in community activities reflected her
deep commitment to civic life and her enduring love for the city she called home.
Leatrice was an avid reader who found joy in the written word. She kept endless journals of her daily activities and
expressed herself through poetry, sketching, and graceful piano playing. Her passion for sports also matched her
artistic talents—she was a devoted fan of the Seattle Mariners. In like fashion, she was meticulous in her dress and
style. She loved nice clothes and knew how to put an outfit together. Whether for a special occasion or merely a trip
to the market, she was always well dressed,
When her health began to fail and she was no longer able to navigate independently, she was assisted by home
health care and her daughters, Rosalyn and Anita. As time progressed, and after two surgeries, home health was no
longer an option. When she was medically assessed as requiring 24-hour nursing care in February 2024, she was
transferred from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility. Although she began to weaken physically, she remained
lucid and was able to communicate until she began to transition. Her daughters remained actively involved in her
care and spent time with her.
Leatrice Joy Rice, 96, transitioned peacefully on June 19, 2025, in Renton, Washington.
She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur B. Rice (April 1966); her mother, Isabel Smith-Rice (January
1937); and her sister, Marietta Rice-Newby (July 2005). Though these loved ones have gone before her, she leaves
to cherish her memory, two daughters, Anita L Brown (Reverend J.W.) Los Angeles, CA; Rosalyn M. Williams, Seattle
WA; 4 grandchildren, Lisa R. White (Jefferey) Fayetteville GA; Kimberly P Gipson, Los Angeles CA; Eddie Darnell
Brown, Seattle, WA; Michael Ray Brown, Tacoma WA; 3 great-grandsons, Brandon Gipson, San Jose CA; Jefferey
White, Los Angeles, CA; Michael Sueing Brown, Phoenix AZ; 4 great grandchildren; 1 niece, Geraldine Russell-
Jackson, San Leandro, CA; 4 great nieces; 1 great nephew; and a host of other relatives and friends.
May her legacy of wisdom, creativity, and community spirit continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have met
her.
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A

time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leatrice Joy Rice, please visit our floral store.