Doretta Lynn Rice

Obituary Doretta Lynn Perry-Rice, known to family and friends as Retta, was born on October22, 1956, in Columbus, Ohio. She was born to DeLois and Richard Perry, the second child of three, and she jokingly never let anyone forget her middle-child woes. She was the BEST storyteller, an inherited talent from her father Richard, and would entertain her family adjust five years old with her tremendous imagination. Retta was a rebel and a warrior who embraced the role of big sister, never letting anybody mess with her siblings: Roxie and Kevin, or brother/cousin Brian. She was a strong advocate for education and encouraged the ones she loved to get good grades, graduate, and pursue a higher education degree. She graduated from Columbus East High School, Class of 1974, where she was known to be the crazy, cool friend with the best personality and a flair for fashion, which she got from her mom DeLois. Retta continued her education at the Ohio State University, where she majored in Business Administration, and then attended the Dale Carnegie School for Business Management. She received the highest award for public speaking while there. During her time at Ohio State, she was introduced to her future husband, Unica. Rice Jr., also known as Main, by his best friend, Kenny Patton. They went on to be married for more than forty-four beautiful years. Retta and Main’s love was that rare and real type of love between two people that can never be broken, through the ups and downs, sickness, loss, success, and victories, they rode each wave by each other’s side. The special magic that was their marriage was that they truly were the best of friends, traveling the world together, moving countless times, and raising their two children, Shavara and Shane. Retta had her own business D&D Promotion & Marketing, with her husband, Main, for over 40 years, all while balancing everything that came with motherhood. Retta was naturally competitive and enjoyed playing basketball from a young age, and well into her60s, where you could find her dunking on her oldest grandson, Jacob. She also loved swimming during her childhood and in her adult life, and spent most of her summers doing laps in her pool or introducing each of her grandchildren to the water on their summer visits to her Atlanta home. Retta had a deep love and devotion to God. She was baptized in 1986 by Reverend Clyde Howell at Sigsbee Ave Church of God; she worshipped faithfully, and her faithfulness to God guided every decision she made. She embodied the very best of what it means to bea powerful woman. Her positivity radiated, and her direct but compassionate words brought comfort, tons of laughter, and wisdom to everyone around her. She loved without hesitation and supported without question. Her presence was a celebration, full of stories, humor, warmth, and grace. Her love was constant, unconditional, and will forever remain in our hearts. She is preceded in death by her grandson Jordan Perry Johnson, her father, Richard Perry, and her sister Roxanne Kennerly, who we know she’s cutting up with in heaven right now. She leaves behind her husband Main, daughter, Shavara Lynn Rice-Johnson (Paul),and son, Shane Waldon Rice (Angelica), as well as her grandchildren: Jacob Johnson, Eleanor Johnson, Koby Johnson, and a soon-to-be baby girl Rice. She also leaves behind her mother, DeLois Perry, brother Kevin Perry, brother/cousin Brian Davis (Stephanie), and two nieces that held a very dear place in her heart, Amanda Perry-Washington (Daniel) and Olivia Jackson, as well as nephews, Austin and Cameron Kennerly, to hold her memory close. She will be deeply missed by a host of beloved close cousins, family, and friends. Retta has been woven into the fabric of so many people’s lives, and we all thank God for her support, counsel, encouragement, and unconditional love P.S. . from your “Main” man, our journey will forever be cherished in the deepest part of my soul, my partner and best friend for life. I’ll see you on the other side, where we will continue our journey until the end of time.-Love & peace, Main*Special Acknowledgment to the amazing team at Georgia Cancer Specialists'. Jayanthi Srinivasiah, and nurse staff, Mylene, Calvin, Angela, as well as friend and fellow patient Shuruq

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Doretta Lynn Rice

October 22, 1956 - November 12, 2025