Mrs. Barbara Smith Rice, peacefully joined her Heavenly Father on October 23, 2020, surrounded by her husband and children during her transition. Barbara was born in Walnut Cove on May 15, 1936 to the late Lurenda Settle and Vincent Smith. A graduate of Paisley High School, she attended Johnson Accounting College.  She retired from Lucia Apparel Company but later continued her employment with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System.  For over 50 years she was a faithful member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she served as president of the Usher Board, member of the Missionary Board and Senior Adult Sunday School Class. She was also a member of the Ladies of Excellence Red Hat Society.

Barbara loved her family, friends, and traveling.  She also enjoyed hosting family events like her memorable cookouts and Christmas and Thanksgiving Dinners. She enjoyed decorating, sewing, and quilting. Barbara had a special interest in bridal attire and established her own bridal business "Barbara's Wedding Designs".

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; son, James Rice; sister, Malinda Nicholson; and brother, Donald Settle.

Left to cherish her sweet memory is her husband of 60 years, Clayton Carl Rice, Sr.; children, Katherine Little (Louis), Wanda Anderson (William), Karen Sterling (Ray), Eunice Smith, Donna Pigford (Ronald), Tracy Rice, and Clayton Rice, Jr. (Carletta); eleven grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; siblings, Loretta Mitchell, Shirley Spease, Ray Settle (Jackie), Larry Smith (Doris), and Ronnie Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special devoted friends, Marcia Jones, Mae Mitchell, Andrea Robinson, Beatrice Oliver, Lucille Smith, and Steve Cunningham.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at Russell Funeral Home. Private services will be held Thursday, October 29, 2020.  Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.