Ms. Jessica Dawn Rice, age 42 of Sparta, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, TN.

Jessica was born December 13, 1978 in Cookeville, Tennessee to Sandra Ruth Maynard Rice and the late William Jesse "Biggun" Rice. She was a homemaker. She loved being a mother and a grandmother and spending time with her large family. She was always up for a trip and a good time, she liked being spontaneous so it did not have to be planned in advance. In addition to her father, she is also preceded in death by grandparents, Lola Maynard, Willie Gaines Maynard and Reba Rice.

Surviving family members left to cherish her memory include her two children William Jesse Cody Rice and Ciara Maelene Rice (Brandon) Clark

Grandchildren: Lakelynn Grace Clark and Jennifer Clark

Mother: Sandra Rice

Grandfather: Bill Montgomery

Five sisters: Sandra Marie Martin, Jennifer Lynn Rice, Ashley Danielle Rice, Amanda Rae Rice, Billie Jean Rice

Nieces and nephews: Dillon, Micaela, Jerney, Jeremiah, Keona, Emily, Philena, Dawson, Jonathan

Great-nephew: Aiden

Several aunts and uncles also survive

The family will receive friends from 1-4:00pm Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Hunter Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be conducted 3:00pm Sunday at the home of Jessica's daughter, Ciara.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hunter Funeral Home PO Box 90, Sparta, TN 38583 to help the Rice family with funeral expenses.