Linda Corene Maxwell Rice

Mrs. Linda Corene Maxwell Rice, age 80, of W. Ginn Street, Bowman, wife of 60 years to Ben J. Rice, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 16, 2025, with her family at her side, following a courageous battle with cancer. 

The fifth of seven children, she was born in Elberton on February 20, 1944, to Doyt Broadus Maxwell and Emma Irene David Maxwell. In addition to her parents, she has been reunited in Heaven with siblings: Winston Maxwell, Wayne Maxwell, Stanley Maxwell, Cleve Maxwell, and Gail Maxwell Mann.

She leaves precious memories to her husband, Ben; children: Jeffrey ‘Scott’ (Theresa Bryant) Rice of Bowman, Bryan Allen (Maria Jones) Rice of Bowman, Lori Rice (Phil) Mize of Elberton, and Lenee Corene Rice of Bowman; brother, Terry (Donna) Maxwell of Bowman; dear sister-in-law, Letha Dickerson of Bowman; grandchildren: Hannah (Rhett) Walker, Corbin (Tyler) McKellar, Courtney (Jacob) Smith, Blake (Hayden) Kelley, Elizabeth Beard, Walker Rice, Lauren Kelley, Abigail (Fischer) Pearson, and Jessie Coleman; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. 

Linda was a graduate of Elberton High School and received her cosmetology degree from North Georgia Technical College where she was honored to be inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1993.

Following graduation, she founded Styles by Linda on the Bowman Square, beginning a life-long career in cosmetology. In 1975, Linda embarked on a new journey as a cosmetology instructor at Athens Technical College. She was honored to be named teacher of the year as well as serve as program director for over 30 years. Linda was instrumental with establishing the Elbert County Campus, and retired in 2020 after 45 years of teaching and inspiring cosmetology students.

She was a life-long member of Rehoboth Baptist Church. Linda loved her church family dearly, and served as the church pianist over 60 years as well as worked with the youth. Her steadfast faith carried her throughout life, and she never missed the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with anyone.

Linda enjoyed traveling with family and friends, and was the leader of the Rowdy Red Hatters for many years. She took great pride in her beautiful flower gardens, and loved working in her yard. Other than Jesus, her greatest love was her family. MeMaw was happiest when all of the family was gathered at her house enjoying all of their favorite foods that she had prepared. 

The family is at the residence in Bowman and will receive friends on Saturday, January 18, from 4:00-6:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. 

A Celebration of Linda’s life will be conducted on Sunday, January 19, at 4:00p.m. at Rehoboth Baptist Church. The service will be live-streamed on Rehoboth’s Facebook page.

She will be laid to rest with her parents in Bowman’s Hillcrest Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Rhett Walker, Tyler McKellar, Jacob Smith, Walker Rice, Jessie Coleman, and Conner Smith. 

In lieu of flowers, Linda requested donations be made in her memory to Gideons International, PO Box 6211, Elberton, GA 30635 or to Beautiful Feet, PO Box 6203, Gainesville, GA 30504. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com. 

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Linda Corene Maxwell Rice.