Willie Rice

Life Reflections of Willie Jean Rice
Willie Jean Rice (Owens-Moore) was born July 12, 1943, to Forrest and Willie Mae Owens. Jean as everyone called her was the eldest of her siblings.

Jean attended the St. Louis Public Schools. She was a marching majorette for the American Woodman Drum and Bugle Core. You had to be on point to march for this organization. Since, Jean was skilled in carrying both the flag and the rifle. She was a perfect fit.

Jean’s spiritual life began at Bethel AME Church, where she became the choir director of The Bethel Coral Ensemble youth choir. This choir was one of the best in the City Of St. Louis, under her leadership. Jean loved working with the youth.

Jean married Douglas William Moore in 1960. To this union, five children were born; four daughters and a son. Jean worked at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri for many years until she became the manager of Sheer Energy Band. This band that was most sought after because of their sound. Then in 1987, Jean and the band moved to Las Vegas, NV. After settling into Vegas, Jean began a job at Cox Communications. She loved her job at Cox. She held several positions there until she retired.

In her pastime she loved serving God and shopping. She was the Church Mother at Power of the Word Ministry, Pastored by Vinson Clary.

Preceding her from transitioning from this life was Douglas William Moore, her spouse; her mother, Willie Mae Moore; her father, Forrest Owens Sr.; her stepfather, Russell Moore; her grandmother, Martha Lee; three brothers: Forrest Owens Jr., Ronald Owens, and Mark Owens, and a sister, Gwendolyn Watson.

Many will celebrate and cherish her memory including four daughters: Carla Moore (Michael), Dougla Willis, Darren Moore (Gloria), Rhonda Moore, and Yolanda Miller (Kevin); her God given son, Anthony Bankhead; five brothers : Mitchell Owens, Barry (Gwen) Owens, Andrew Rounds, Daryl (Sherry) Thomas all of St. Louis, MO, and Floyd Rounds of Atlanta, GA; six sisters: Geraldine (Stuart) Emery of Denver, CO, Martha Stewart, Marietta Owens Janice Dickerson, Vivian Hogan, and Lynelle Rounds all of St. Louis, MO; a sister-in-law, Katherine Owens of Belleville IL; 24 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.