Cover photo for Leota Stinnett Rice's Obituary
Leota Stinnett Rice Profile Photo
1933 Leota 2022

Leota Stinnett Rice

June 29, 1933 — December 30, 2022

Leota Stinnett Rice, 89, of Cleveland, departed this life peacefully to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on December 30, 2022.

She was born on June 29, 1933, in Benton, TN to the late Alfred and Stella Mae Cavett Stinnett.

Throughout life she served others well and valued family. Leota grew up active in church, first at Smyrna Baptist and then at First Baptist Church in Benton. In her younger years, she traveled and stayed with families in other communities to do Vacation Bible School. She was well-known in the area as a leader at Benton Banking Co. for over 40 years. She loved to travel with family, friends and on bus tours.

In addition to her parents, Leota was preceded in death by her daughter, Ramona (David, surviving) King; and siblings, Paul Stinnett, Marvin (Evelyn) Stinnett, Jerry Stinnett, and Lucille (W.L.) Shipman; sister-in-law, Shirlyn Stinnett.

Left to cherish the many memories include her loving husband of 68 years, James W. “Billy” Rice; beloved daughter, Rhonda (Tom) Jolley; brothers, Billy (Drusilla) Stinnett, A.J. Stinnett, and sister-in-law, Clara Stinnett; cherished grandchildren, Meagan Jolley, and Joshua ( Lauren) Jolley; great-grandchildren, Addy Jolley, Leah Jolley, Nolan Jolley, and Owen Jolley. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Benton, with Dr. Robert K. Speights officiating. Interment will follow at Benton Memorial Gardens with the following family serving as pallbearers: Chris Stinnett, Greg Stinnett, Terry Stinnett, Nathan Shipman, Jeff Stinnett, and Danny Stinnett; and honorary pallbearers, Mike Stinnett, Mark Shipman, Dennis Stinnett, and Dean Stinnett.

Family and friends will gather from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, prior to the service at the church.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.


To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Leota Stinnett Rice, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Monday, January 2, 2023

11:00am - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

First Baptist Church of Benton

249 Parksville Rd, Benton, TN 37307

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Celebration of Life

Monday, January 2, 2023

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

First Baptist Church of Benton

249 Parksville Rd, Benton, TN 37307

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment

Monday, January 2, 2023

Benton Memorial Gardens

217 Patty Rd, Benton, TN 37307

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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