Pamela Sue Haywood Rice

Following a long fight with chronic illness, Pam passed away on August 4th, 2023 surrounded by her loving children. The health issues were obstacles she refused to accept and she demonstrated a fierce stubbornness and tenacity for life that carried even into her last days.

Pam was born July 9, 1954, to Velma and Bob Haywood. She was an only child, but grew up surrounded by family and cousins whom she loved like siblings. She graduated from Sandhills College in Southern Pines with a degree in Nursing.

While in nursing school, Pam met Jimmy Rice. They married 50 years ago in December 1972 following a whirlwind romance. They were blessed with two children: James in 1978, and Jennifer in 1982.

When she started her medical career in Raleigh, she began as a nurse at Rex Hospital. She also worked at Cary Gastroenterology before finding the job she loved working with Dr. Keith Hull at Raleigh Neurology. She was involved with research and patient care for patients with Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis. She was active with the local Parkinson’s association. She was passionate about her job and loved all her patients dearly. She worked there for 13 years until back injuries forced her to retire in 2005.

She was a fierce and loving mother, and an adoring grandmother. She relished spoiling her four young grandchildren, all of whom quickly learned they could eat any amount of candy at her house without even having to ask. They brightened her day and made her smile, even on days when smiles were hard to come by. She showered them with love and kisses every chance she got.

Since 1984, Pam and Jimmy ran a booth at the North Carolina State Fair. They started with selling souvenirs, and ending up making the best lemonade on the fairgrounds. She was no stranger to anyone at the fair, and took care of every customer with a smile on her face. She grumbled and acted like it was the worst ten days of the year, but she began getting excited even months before October arrived.

We would like to thank, from the bottom of our hearts, all those cherished people who were involved with helping her while she was sick. A special Thank You to Nancy Marie Chance, for sticking by her side for 14 years. Your sweet smile and incredible dependability were a blessing in helping care for both Pam and her mother. You never gave up on caring for her no matter which hospital, facility, or what condition she was in. We will forever be grateful for you. Thank you also to the amazing palliative care and hospice teams for keeping her comfortable and guiding us through the hardest times. Thank you to all the family and her amazing friends who were able to gift their time sending cards and well wishes, calling to chat, and visiting with her.

Pam was predeceased by her mother and father. She is survived by her husband Jimmy Rice; her two children and their families: son: James, daughter-in-law Christa, their two children, Remy and Rosie Rice; daughter: Jennifer, son-in-law Matt, and their two children, Colton and Calleigh Secrest. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Susan Rice, and her mother-in-law, Dorothy Rice.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 10:00 am - 10:45 am at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home Chapel. The Graveside Service will be held on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 10:00 am at Raleigh Memorial Park.

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