Emma Jean Pike Rice

WEAVERVILLE—Emma Jean Pike Rice, age 74 of 95 Sheppard Branch Road, went to celebrate her birthday in heaven on Monday, April 21, 2008 to be with her Lord, family and friends. Mrs. Rice was born April 21, 1934 in Buncombe County where she had lived all her life. She was a faithful Christian who attended Maranatha Baptist Church and Mt Bethel Free Will Baptist Church. Emma Jean was the daughter of the late Warren and Martha Pike. She was the wife of the late Paul V. Rice who died in 1988 and Gordon Frye who died in 2001. She was also preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter, Amanda Lynne Massey; brother, Alvin Pike and sister, Lois Jane Capps. A loving wife, mother, "Granny Jean" and friend. Surviving are her daughters, Sheila R. Pike and husband Michael and Kathy R. Massey and her husband Gary; son, Danny H. Rice and wife Karen all of Weaverville; grandchildren, Justin and Jared Pike and Brett Rice; sister, Muriel Reed of Marshall; devoted friends who shared life with her, Emma Sue, Betty, Mary Lou, Ruby, Aileen and Rosalee. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville with the Rev.'s Wesley Pike and Larry Edwards officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Bethel Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence. Flowers are acceptable and appreciated. A memorial tribute video will be available after 6:00 a.m. Wednesday at www.westfamilyfuneralservices.com under Emma Jean's obituary.