On June 2, 2019, Bessie Odell Rice Mays was called to her eternal resting place with our Lord Jesus Christ. She was born in Sheffield, AL on March 30, 1940 to the late Laurine and Turner Rice Sr. Bessie attended Sterling High School, where she graduated in 1958.

Bessie is preceded in death by her parents, Laurine and Turner Rice Sr., three sisters Estelle Baugh, Margaret Tony, Dorothy Burt and brother Turner Rice Jr. She leaves behind to cherish her memories a brother Eugene (Deloris) Rice. Special nieces Lucile (Sammie) Key and Jonell Jones. Also a host of nephews and nieces and other relatives and friends.