Patricia Lee Johnson Rice

Mrs. Patricia Lee Johnson Rice, 77, of Clairmont Avenue, Elberton, wife of 46 years to W.R. “Billy” Rice, entered into rest on Monday, January 18, 2021, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital.

Mrs. Johnson was born in Elberton on July 22, 1943, daughter of the late Alonzo Wilton Johnson and Lizzie Lee Madden Johnson. Pat was a graduate of Elbert County High School and a member of Fortsonia Baptist Church. She began working for I.V. Hulme at the age of 16 and worked there for her entire career. Pat also managed the Elberton 12-County Fair for many years. “Nana” loved her family dearly, and loved fishing and working in her flower and vegetable gardens.

Survivors include her husband, Billy; sons: Scott and Rhonda Gunter and Phillip and Rhonda Rice, all of Elberton; grandchildren: Cody Gunter, Clint and Ande Gunter, and Cadey Rice; great-grandchildren: Townsend Gunter and Birdie Rae Gunter; siblings: Max A. Johnson, John N. Johnson, Phyllis J. Jones, and Elaine J. Gunter, all of Elberton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Hilda J. Allen.

Funeral services celebrating Pat’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 20, at 2 o’clock from the graveside in Elmhurst Cemetery with the Rev. Al Butler officiating.

The family is at the residence and will receive friends immediately following the service at the cemetery.

Contributions may be made in her memory to T.J. & Friends Foundation, P.O. Box 6161, Elberton, GA 30635.

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

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Patricia Lee Johnson Rice.