Hometown: Kenedy, Texas;
Present City: Dallas;
Education: BS, Baylor; MRE, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; PhD, Texas A&M;
Occupation: Minister and university administration/faculty;
Tell us about your family.
I married Gene Rice in 1976 while he was attending seminary. He pastored four churches in 38 years of ministry, retiring due to the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. We have two children: Kristen, founding director of Color Me Empowered in Dallas, and Justin, an architect in Los Angeles. Justin is married to Lindsay, also an architect and an all-around fabulous addition to our family. Kristen has two wonderful sons, Eric and Elliott.
How about your work or volunteer life?
I had the privilege of working on staff with Gene at two churches he pastored. My positions were part-time, and in 1999, as our daughter began her second year at Baylor, I had the epiphany that I must bring in a larger income. After praying about it, I saw a job posting by the University of Houston-Victoria for a director of a new program called Letting Education Achieve Dreams. Realizing that the described position lined up with my personal mission of helping others develop their God-given potential, I applied and was hired. I loved my 17 years of various administrative and teaching roles. While working there, I continued to be active in ministry and served on several community and state boards of directors. Following retirement from university life and our move to Dallas, I now serve on two nonprofit boards of directors and help manage some family properties.
Tell us about your faith journey.
My spiritual journey began with dedicated Christian parents and a nurturing church. My commitment to Christ and Christ’s church strengthened during my teen years, becoming foundational for my life. I have experienced God’s presence through every aspect of life.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
When we moved to Dallas in 2020, we joined Wilshire. Our daughter and grandsons were already members here, and we had a longtime connection with George Mason through Gene’s and my association with the Christian Life Commission of the BGCT. Wilshire’s openness to “every body” drew us in. We are excited to be part of this body of believers as Pastor Tim brings his leadership gifts to our church. We joined Koinonia Class and are grateful to study the Bible through Joe Haag’s dedicated preparation and presentation. I also serve on the Christian Advocacy Committee and help with KidConnect. Earlier this year when I was diagnosed with lymphoma, I felt surrounded by the love and concern poured out by fellow members and church staff who prayed for me and provided personal touches of concern as I moved into remission. Thank you, Wilshire!
*If you are interested in being featured in an upcoming I Am Wilshire feature, contact Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org)