Sharon R Rice

Sharon Rice, 71, of Homer, passed away at 10:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24, 2024 at her home. She was welcomed with open arms by her family in heaven.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main St. in Homer with Rev. Chuck Alt officiating. Burial will take place at GAR Cemetery in Homer. There will be a visitation from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Sharon was born July 19, 1952 at Burnham Hospital in Champaign to Melvin “Pete” and Betty Ann (Clem)  Humphrey. Sharon married Donald Eugene Rice on January 21, 1984 in Penfield. He survives.

Sharon was a lifelong resident of Homer and a member of the former Homer Church of Christ. She graduated from Homer High School in 1970. Sharon retired from Herff Jones Cap & Gown in 2015 after 45 years of dedicated service.

Sharon enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who were her world. She enjoyed her long talks with her brother, Ron, whom she loved dearly. “Grandma” had many honorary grandchildren, including Chloe Shanks. Sharon was the nucleus of a large extended family. She kept in touch with many of her cousins and the love and support they showed during her illness shows how they felt about her.

Sharon is also survived by her son, Joey (wife, Stephanie) Rice of Homer; 3 grandchildren: Tristen Michael, Kaydence Elizabeth, and Eliza Marie Rice; step-son Donald Eugene Rice Jr. of Buffalo, NY; brother Ronald (wife, Julie) Humphrey of Homer; sister-in-law Cindy Humphrey of Paxton; nephew Donald (wife, Jessica) Humphrey of Rantoul; nieces Holly Humphrey of Villa Grove and Hanna Humphrey of Mattoon; great nephews Dalton, Dakota and Drake Humphrey; mother-in-law Viola Rice of Fort Oglethorpe, GA; aunts Irma Clem and Janice Humphrey; grand-dogs Ruby, Coco and Cuddles; and many cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Donald “Sam” Humphrey; sister Ann Marie “Rhea” Humphrey; nephews Kevin Humphrey and Adam Humphrey; and father-in-law Donald Rice.

Memorials can be made to Champaign County Forest Preserve or a charity of the donor's choice.