Mrs. Brenda Lee Rice, age 57, of Frederick, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 29 in her home surrounded by family. She was the wife of James Luther Rice, Sr. They were married 39 years ago on June 16, 1972. Born August 14, 1954 in Cheverly, Md., she was the daughter of Helen Dodson and the late Loyd Dodson. Brenda was a loving wife, a wonderful mother and an inspiration to many of those who knew her. She was a member of People's Baptist Church in Frederick for almost 20 years where she enjoyed working in the nursery during church services. Brenda also enjoyed working in her flower gardens at home during the spring and summer. She retired from her job as a secretary at the National Institutes of Health in 2007. She will be missed by her friends and family. Surviving in addition to her husband and mother are her two sons, Daniel Rice and wife Elizabeth of Frederick; James Rice, Jr. and wife Lisa and grandchild Jack of Bel Air; three sisters, Sheryl Odenwald and husband Michael Odenwald, Roxanne Rivenbark, and Jennifer Dodson; and brother Loyd Dodson, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews. She is additionally survived by her sister-in-law Myrna McSwain and husband Tom McSwain; and brothers-in-law Larry Rice and Robert Rice. A funeral service will be held at People's Baptist Church at 6648 Carpenter Road on Monday, January 2 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Kent Ramler and Rev. Michael Davidson officiating. Interment will be in Resthaven Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Keeney and Basford Funeral Home at 106 East Church Street in Frederick from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Frederick County, P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702 or to People's Baptist Church. Please view and sign the family guest book by going to www.keeneybasford.com.
