Joyce Marie Welch Dowling Rice, 93, of Orange, Texas and later DeQuincy transitioned into heavenly paradise on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Kingwood, Texas.
Joyce was born in New Salem, Texas on Oct. 12, 1932. She was married to C. L. “Larry” Dowling for 40 years (1949-1989) living in Orange, Texas (Echo). After Larry’s passing, she married A.J. Rice (1993-2014) in DeQuincy, until his passing. She graduated from Starks High School at the age of 16 and acquired an associate’s degree in Technical Accounting from Lamar University in 1987. She spent her 50-year working career at Franklin’s Dress Shop, Livingston Shipbuilding and Inland/International Paper – all in Orange, Texas.
Graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 11 a.m., Trout Creek Cemetery in Call, Texas with a “picnic” fellowship luncheon following under the pavilion.
Arrangements will be handled by Dorman – Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 8808 Hwy. 87 N., Orange, Texas.
(Paid Memorial)
