Mrs. Betty Jean Walker-Rice

In Loving Memory Of Betty Jean Rice was born June 10, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee to Bernice Rice and Henry Simpson. Betty Jean accepted Christ at an early age at Saint John Baptist Church. She was a loyal and faithful member of Saint John where she sang in the choir and was well known for her Outstanding performance of “The Creation” by James W. Johnson.. At an Early age of twelve she helped the elderly in the neighborhood (her calling to help others). Betty Jean departed this life August 16, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents Bernice Vann-Hill; Henry Simpson; and her two beloved Grandsons Josiah and Jaden Rice. Betty attended Booker T. Washington High School-- in her junior year, later attended Jonesboro High School after integration. Betty earned several honors and awards in academics. Betty graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1969, where she participated in several academic sports. After high school Betty worked at J. C. Penney’s Department Store in Jonesboro, Ark. as customer service and department decorator. Betty's love for medicine and caring for others led her to a profession in LPN and a nursing job at Saint Bernard Hospital in Jonesboro. In 1974 she later continued her nursing practice in Detroit, Michigan. In 1993 she continued her education at Wayne College in Detroit, Michigan earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing 1994 as a RPN Registered Nurse. Betty J. Rice was employed at Detroit Mercy Hospital from 1979 (Sinai Grace Hospital) where she practiced as a RN for over 40 years. She retired in August 2016, but continued at Detroit Medical working part-time during the Covid pandemic-- helping save many lives. Even after retirement she continued to work for Detroit Medical Center part-time. During her time as a RN, Betty earned many certifications. She is a Lifetime Member of Trauma Nurses Association, Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification, Cardiac Medicine Certification and Critical Care Knowledge Nurse Certification. In 1974 -1998 Betty was married to Rickey Walker and together raised three children Spencer Minor, Deonna Suggs, and Keith Rice and Cory Wilson. Betty Jean’s favorite thing to do was being with family, friends, and coworkers, Cooking, casino, singing and dancing and going on vacation. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and siblings and going to the casino to eat good food.

Mrs. Betty Jean Walker-Rice

June 10, 1950 - August 16, 2022