Anna C. Rice

Born Virginia Ann Duckett November 8, 1938 in Baltimore City, the last child of the late Joseph and Maggie Duckett. Her father died on December 29, 1940, a World War II Veteran, leaving Mrs. Duckett a widow to raise her clan alone. A spinal cord injury at 7 years old never stopped her ability to succeed for 72 years. She was educated at St. Peters Claver Catholic School in Baltimore. She took on a name change as Anna Cecelia. Anna met and married the late James Fairfax Rice in June, 1953. From this blessed union two daughters, Joan Peterson and JoAnn Rice, were born. Later she was blessed with her only son, Jarrett Turner Spruill III, whom she adored Throughout her career Anna worked for Maryland Workshop for the blind and after 25 years of faithful service retired. Anna took a part-time job with Champion Ford as a key attendant before retiring permanently from the workforce. She became a permanent volunteer at the University of Maryland, donating 20,000 hours. One of her proudest moments was Channel 13 honoring her and awarding her with Channel 13 Salute and broadcasting it on TV. At an early age she accepted Christ as her personal Savior, never questioning God about her affliction. Anna joined New St Mark Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Issac J. Gilliam who baptist her 1969. She became a faithful missionary. After the church relocated, she joined Bethel A.M.E. in 1982 under Rev. John Bryant. She was a dedicated servant until her health declined. Affectionately called "Aunt Tootie", " Trudy"' "Ma"' , and "Grandmom", she would be the first to help in time of need. She would never question you or make judgement. Sending flowers, gifts, cards, nice presents was very common for Anna. Some still have her love gifts to remember her by. Anna conducted all her siblings houses from her telephone. Only 5'1 in stature, she was a remarkable giant; stern and tough. Anna enjoyed listening to gospel music and talk shows. Every morning she would always start off with the prayer from the late Bishop G.E. Patterson. While waiting on breakfast, she would listen to Radio 1010, the Larry Young show with Coach, and her favorite, Daren Muhammad show on Saturday mornings, Radio 1590. From her bedside she would conduct her own show, offering her opinion and comments on world events. After the untimely death of her granddaughter, her cat, Ms Kitty, she mourned miserably. To continue her wonderful legacy are: two daughters, Joan Peterson (James) and JoAnn Rice; son, Jarrett Turner Spruill 3rd (Valencia); three grandchildren, Sharlene Bell, Wali Gilliam, whom she affectionately called "Ricky", and her sweetie, Sharina Spruill; three great-grandchildren; newly adopted kitty, Ms. Sheba (her cat); special devoted niece, Ms Brenda Breaux; great-nieces, Jessica and Nicole Peterson; lifetime friend, Karen Gant; caregiver, Ms. Serina Dookie; problem solver, Mr. Stanley Barnes; her security detail, Mr. Wendell Simon; barber, Derrick Brown and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends that will miss her.

Tributes

Anna C. Rice

November 8, 1938 - May 21, 2017