Katherine Rice O'Connor

Katherine Rice O’Connor passed away peacefully Friday, June 2, surrounded by her family, after a nine year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Her fight against Parkinson’s is a true testament to her strength, bravery and determination. Katherine was born in Columbus, MS on August 12, 1949 to John and Martha Rice. She graduated from Lee High School in 1967. She attended University of Mississippi and completed her B.S. and Master’s degree in early elementary education at the Mississippi University for Women.

Katherine taught first grade and kindergarten for over thirty years, first at Franklin Academy in Mississippi and then in Birmingham at Brookwood Forest Elementary. She was a beloved teacher, friend, sister, mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family, going to the movies, traveling and spending time at the beach.

Katherine is preceded in death by her devoted parents John Albert Rice II and Martha Searcy Rice. She is survived by her daughters Natalie Parker McDonald (Wes) and Tiffany Parker Stephens (Brad), grandchildren Quinn McDonald and Luke, Masha and Cole Stephens, siblings Diane Rice Carter (Wayne) and John Albert Rice III (Beth) and nieces Marion Hinson (Jamie), Lisa Britton (Vince) and Connie Moss (Wes).

In lieu of flowers, the family please asks that donations please be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at https://www.michaeljfox.org