On Tuesday, November 1st, 2022, Connie Juanita Allen Baker Rice, received her wings and went to walk amongst the angels at age 72. Connie, or “Mother Rice,” as many affectionately called her, was born on April 5th, 1950, in Norfolk, VA, to Welton and Harriet Wood. Connie was a graduate of Norfolk State University and Hampton University and held a Master of Arts Degree in Communication Sciences. She was a servant leader demonstrated in her early career choices where she taught in Norfolk Public Schools teaching learning disabled children and in her later career as an administrative assistant for the COGIC High-Rise Apartments. She also served in her church home, Faith Deliverance COGIC and in her community in many roles including the Norfolk District Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Missionary, Mother’s Board Member, Praise Team Member, and Joy Night coordinator of the past 7 years. Connie was a kind spirit, loved by all, and known for her beautiful smile and quick wit. She had a passion for caring for others, singing, especially on the praise team, and a gift for never missing any occasion without sending a card, and making sure that all her grandchildren, nieces and nephews had new socks for Christmas. Her greatest love was God and her family, and we were proud to call her Mom, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend. Left to cherish her memories is her son Harvey T. Allen Jr. (Camye); daughters, twins Karen Stokes (Howard) & Karnita McElveen, and Dianne Hornbeak (Libby); granddaughters Kayla Rodgers, Trinity Allen, Jasmine McElveen, & Cherie Hornbeak; grandsons Nicholas Madison and Devon Greenhow; sisters Patty Walker, Lila Evans, Annette Spivey (Artway), Wanda Bellamy, Claudia Romero (Hector), five great grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Connie was preceded in death by her son “Wawa”; Great-Grandson Kaiden Logan; five sisters Velma Barnes, Rose Wiggins, Edith Askew, Eunice Wood, & Carolyn Ridley; and two brothers Clifford Wood & Leroy Wood.