It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of Peggy Ann Searcey Rice, a cherished wife, sister-in-law, aunt, great-great-aunt, and friend. Peggy peacefully departed this world on August 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at the Johnson City Medical Center. Born on July 31, 1941, in the quaint town of Jonesborough, TN, Peggy's life was a tapestry of love, service, and devotion.
Peggy was the beloved wife of James Rice, with whom she shared a remarkable journey of love and companionship for 65 beautiful years. Their story began in high school, where they met and quickly became inseparable, marrying on April 5th of 1962. Together, they crafted a life filled with joy, resilience, and a profound commitment to each other.
A graduate of Jonesborough High School, class of 1959, Peggy's compassion and dedication to helping others led her to a fulfilling career as both a psychiatric nurse and a hairdresser. Her gentle touch and warm heart left an indelible mark on all those she cared for, both in her professional life and beyond.
Peggy was an active member of the Jonesborough United Methodist Church, where she found a community that shared her values of kindness and service. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, inspiring her to extend her hand to those in need whenever she could.
Her love for her family was boundless. Peggy is survived by her devoted husband, James Rice, as well as her brother-in-law Charles Rice and his wife Mildred. She leaves behind her cherished nieces, Jeanne Triplett and Donna Rice, and her nephews, Chris Rice and Earl Hardin. Peggy also delighted in the joy of her great-great-niece, Brittany Haynes, and her husband Chris, along with their two children, Shaylynn and Connor Haynes, and with many more family members and friends. All of these people held a special place in Peggy's heart, and her love for them was unwavering.
Though Peggy is reunited with her parents, Joseph and Lucille Searcey, and her brothers Arthur, Frank and Clyde Searcey and sister Fern Searcey, her sister-in-law Kay Rice Hardin and many more who predeceased her, her spirit and the lessons of love and generosity she imparted will continue to resonate within the hearts of those she touched.
In honor of Peggy's life and her commitment to helping others, the family kindly suggests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice, reflecting Peggy's enduring legacy of compassion and service.
Peggy Ann Rice's life was a testament to the power of love, the strength found in family, and the profound impact of a life lived in service to others. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
