WEAVERVILLE – Gay Nell Williams Rice, age 71, of Weaverville went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Gay Nell was born on March 15, 1955, in Buncombe County where she had lived all her life. She retired from Buncombe County Schools as a Bus Driver and worked in the cafeteria. Gay Nell loved children. She was the daughter of the late Clyde and Lorena Anders Williams and was also preceded in death by sisters, Margaret Williams, and Shirley Crisp; and brothers, Rev. Warren Williams, Paul Williams, and her twin brother, Gary Williams.

Surviving is her husband of 54 years, Jimmy Rice; sons, Tim Rice (Laura), and Daniel Rice; sisters, Betty Roberts, Helen Sawyer (David), Judy Lynn Farina, and Susie Murray; sisters-in-law, Louise Williams, and Judy Williams; brother-in-law, Robert Crisp; and two grandchildren, Jackson Rice, and Jordan Rice.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Mt. Sheba Baptist Church Cemetery, 870 New Stock Rd., Weaverville, with Rev. Steve Rhinehart officiating.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving Gay Nell’s family during this time.