Susan J. Rice-James

Susan Jean Rice-James was born September 21, 1953 in Indianapolis, Indiana to William Leon Rice, Sr. and Deloise Jean Rice. Susan graduated from Shortridge High School in 1970 and received her BS degree from Indiana University.

Susan retired from BNY Mellon, after a rich career as a Corporate Trust Executive, spanning over 30 years, where she lived in Indianapolis, New Orleans, Boston, and St. Louis. She later joined the staff of North Central High School as an Administrative Assistant which brought great joy to her heart as she loved children.

Susan and David St. Clair James met in Boston and married on December 1st 1990. Of this union two beautiful children were born and raised: Jasmine Davia James and David William Adrian Fitzroy James. Though a consummate professional in the banking industry, Susan gave her heart to her family. She was a devoted wife and mother. She likewise was a wonderful daughter to her parents; a great sister to her siblings; and an amazing friend.

Susan seemed to have an immense energy supply. She not only cared for her family, but also her mother and mother-in-law while working fulltime. She supported the care-giving of her aged Aunt until her death and has since supported the care for her aged mother in her elderly years. Susan was there for aunts, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Helping others was a strength. She gave until she could give no more.

Susan was well traveled, brilliant, a true aficionado of art, especially sculpture and theatre. She was an avid book reader and one of her most favorite books was the Bible. Upon learning of Susan's death, many of her friends have commented that "she loved the Lord" or "she loved Jehovah". She was waiting on "God's Kingdom" (Matthew 6:9) and commented about it often. Susan fell asleep in death on Tuesday, December 25th, 2018. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.

Susan is survived by her husband, David St. Clair James; son, David William Adrian Fitzroy James; daughter, Jasmine Davia Rice James; son-in-law, Jules Williams-Lambert; Mother, Deloise Jean Rice; Siblings: William Leon Rice, Jr. (Donna), Diana Lynn Rice-Wilkerson (Marvin), Frieda Jane Hubbard (Michael), Sylvia Doreen Wiseman, and Arthur Fenton Rice (Chris); Sister-in-Law: Rosalind James; Nieces: Whitney Lynn Kennedy, Aja Henry, Olivia Wilkerson, Roxlind Dorine James; and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Susan was predeceased by her father, William Leon Rice, Sr., nephews, Jonathan Brandon Rice and Marvin (Chip) Clay Wilkerson II. Those whose lives have been touched by Susan will always remember her generosity, love, warmth and kindness. Susan's wishes for cremation and a private ceremony for the immediate family will be honored and held on Saturday, December 29, 2018.

A Celebration of Life will be held on: Friday, January 4, 2019 from 5 - 7 pm at Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208