Wavel Virginia Rice

Obituary for Wavel Virginia Rice

Wavel Virginia Rice, age 97, passed away on February 6, 2026. She was born in September of 1928 and lived a long life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

Wavel was a devoted Christian and a strong-willed, family-driven woman who loved big and lived directly and honestly. She worked as a nurse’s aide and spent her life caring for others. She was always ready to help anyone in need and never hesitated to show up for her family and friends.

She cherished her time with her great-grandbabies, Luke and Lynlee, and adored her beloved dog, Bobo. One of her favorite traditions was attending Higden Homecoming and Decoration each year, where she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She also loved gospel hymns, flowers, gardening, crafting, going dancing, and sharing family history.

She is survived by her son, Ricky Rice, her granddaughter, Mandy Dedmon Bartlett (Stephan), her great-grandchildren, Luke Bartlett and Lynlee Bartlett; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph A. Cullum, her mother, Mandy Cullum, Daughter, Vicki Rice Dedmon; her brothers, Lester Cullum and Montie Cullum, and her sisters, Macle Wright, Georgette Edwards, Ruth Allen, and Ovie Allen.