Johanna Rice

With a voice that filled sanctuaries and hands that stitched prayers into shawls, Johanna Rice, 74, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi.

Born January 23, 1951, in Norfolk, VA, to Edwin Cromwell Rice and Sally Will Crawford Rice, Johanna was rooted in faith, music, and deep connections with others. A 1969 graduate of West Point High School, she went on to attend Judson College and American University eventually attaining a masters in Sociology. She worked as an insurance adjuster and later published a public records newsletter that served many towns across northern Mississippi. She focused on her community, always keeping her high school classmates close through the reunions she loved to plan and volunteering her time at the American Legion.

She found joy in her garden, the pages of a good book, and most especially in her crafts. A knitter, crocheter and quilter, she poured love into every creation she made. The Prayer Shawl Ministry she started at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Starkville became a living extension of her spirit—every stitch a blessing, every shawl a hug wrapped in prayer.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Goree and his family, her brother, Ed Rice, nephew Sam Rice (Rebecca) and great nephew River. She now joins her parents, Edwin and Sally Rice, in eternal peace.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation and service at Robinson Funeral Home on Thursday, October 23. The visitation will begin at 10 am, and the service will begin at 11 a.m. The burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Sam Rice, Floyd Robinson, Walt Goree, Joseph Andol, Curt Friday, Bruce King and Ken Ivy.

In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mississippi ACLU in her honor.