Linda Carolyn Rice

Linda Carolyn Rice of Beebe, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, at the age of 85. She was born on April 29,1941, to Richard and Mary Hood of Monticello, Arkansas. On February 14, 1961, Carolyn married Garland E. Rice, Jr. and they shared 53 wonderful years together.

Over the years Carolyn was employed at Southwestern Bell, Maybelline, and the city of Ward. Her highest priority, however, was her family. She was truly a devoted wife and loving mother of three children.

Carolyn was an excellent cook and loved making meals for her family. She enjoyed preparing, canning, and cooking the many vegetables that she and Jiggs grew in their gardens every summer. She especially cherished cooking for the holidays, and nobody could make cornbread dressing as good as “Mimi”.

She was an excellent seamstress, having spent many hours sewing advanced garments such as suits, gowns, and other attire. In fact, she made square dancing apparel for the Arkansas Whirl-Away Dance Club when she and Jiggs were members. For years, the two of them participated in square dance events across the state, making many friends and fun memories together.

Another of Carolyn’s favorite activities was spending time with Jiggs on Greers Ferry Lake. They owned a cabin and spent many days there with family and friends on the water. If you wanted to see Carolyn’s beautiful smile, you only needed to watch her ride a jet ski.

Carolyn proudly served as an Eastern Star member. As a Worthy Matron, she spent many years involved in charitable work and community service. She enjoyed helping others and the fellowship found by serving in the organization.

One of her favorite past times was browsing and shopping in antique stores and flea markets. Over the years she gathered beautiful furniture pieces, several collections, and “special finds” that brought joy to her home.

Carolyn had an outgoing personality and enjoyed getting to know people. These traits were well-suited for the pageant industry that she was involved in for many years. Not only did she support her daughter, LeAnn, for years as a contestant, but she also judged many pageants. How fitting that Carolyn was crowned Ms. Crossing at Riverside in 2024 due in large part to her poise, personality, and well-spoken interview responses.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Garland E. “Jiggs” Rice, Jr., daughter, Linda LeAnn Rice, granddaughter, Codi Rice, brother, Leon Hood, and her parents.

She is survived by her sons, Garland E. “Butch” Rice, III, along with his wife, Robin, and Joseph Allen “Jody” Rice; her grandchildren, Garland (Jordan) Rice, Katelyn (Seth) Carruth, Colt (Stephanie) Rice; great-grandchildren Garrison Rice, Porter Rice, Conner Carruth, Riley Walburn, and Abbi Carruth; one brother, Clyde Hood; one sister, Beverley Violette, several nieces and nephews, and her fur-baby, Dolly. Also left behind are two important men that Carolyn loved as her own sons: Jeff Holt and John Johnston.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at The Crossing at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation who provided care and friendship to Carolyn during her last few years of life. We are also grateful for the support we received from Gentiva Hospice during her final days.

Visitation will be held at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home of Beebe on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. with a memorial service following at 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics of Arkansas, 2115 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114

Online guest book at www.smithfamilycares.com