Lynice Ritchie, of Elizabethton, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at her residence with her family by her side. Lynice was the daughter of the late Hoover and Rada Peters Williams. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest “Gebe” Ritchie.
Lynice worked many years for the Carter County School System and was a member of New Liberty Freewill Baptist Church. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-granddaughter.
Survivors include her daughter, Wendy Sams and husband Wayne; her son, Douglas Stevens and wife Carrie; two grandchildren, Joshua Sams and Laikyn Stevens; one great-granddaughter, Emma Sams; three brothers, Herbert Williams, Richard Williams and Jessie Williams; a sister, Patricia Carden; a very special sister-in-law, Joann Ritchie, and brother-in-law, George Ritchie; three special friends, Joyce Treadway, Martha Buck and David Blackburn; and several nieces and nephews.
A service to honor the life Lynice Ritchie will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Ray Colbaugh and Rev. Nick Colbaugh officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service, and at the residence at anytime. The graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 14, in the Ritchie Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Lynn Peters, Henry Wayne Ensor, George Ritchie, Dayton Buckles, Terry Oliver and Mike “Acey” Ensor. Honorary pallbearers will be members of New Liberty Freewill Baptist Senior Sunday School Class and Dr. Scott May and staff. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the American Cancer Society, C/O Lou Cooter, 415 Washington Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Everyone will meet at Tetrick Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m. Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery. The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Caris Hospice and to all their employees for the love and care shown to Lynice and her family during her illness. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Ritchie family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.