Delorice Rice

Delorice Rice, affectionately known as “Sissy”, crossed the threshold into the eternal light and welcomed everlasting peace on August 7, 2025, at the age of 77. Delorice’s life was one of purpose, love, compassion, faith, and devotion to Christ.

Delorice was born October 1, 1947, in Newark, New Jersey to Ulysses Sr. and Elizabeth (Tukes) Rice. She was the second born of five children (Ulysses Jr., Delorice, Raymond, Rita, and Jeffery). Delorice grew up in Newark where she enjoyed singing in the church choir, skating and being a Girl Scout. She attended Dayton Street Grammar School and South Side High School (now known as Shabazz High School) where she was notoriously known for protecting her siblings.

Delorice was a devout woman of God who accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized at age 16 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Newark by Pastor Harris. At age 18, Delorice was led to God in Christ Church in Newark under the leadership of Apostle A. Skinner where she learned to strive to be a virtuous woman, blessed with speaking in tongues.

Delorice met Raymond F. Spruell, Sr. while in high school in their hometown of Newark and eventually married on October 10, 1964. Out of this covenant, three children were born: Monique (Matawan, New Jersey), Lisa (Neptune, New Jersey), and Raymond Jr. (Upper Marlboro, Maryland).

Delorice’s unwavering dedication to education was a testament to her love for both learning and serving others. Through her relentless pursuit of knowledge in Nursing and Religious Education, she not only enriched her own life but also touched the hearts and minds of countless individuals.

Delorice graduated from both Essex County College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science and The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) as a Registered Nurse in 1985. Moving from Newark to Matawan in 1987, she worked at Marlboro State Hospital until she retired in 1999.

Delorice served God wholeheartedly and graduated from a 3-year Bible College for Evangelism in 2002 at Monmouth Bible Institute in Howell, New Jersey. Led by the scripture and continuing to be called by God, Delorice joined Second Baptist Church in Matawan under the leadership of Reverend Joseph Butts. Delorice later joined Greater Emmanuel Temple in Neptune. She served as Church Mother under the leadership of Pastor Gwen Priester and served on the Foreign Mission Ministry.

Delorice loved spending time with family and friends, crafting, dancing, facilitating bible studies, serving the community, traveling for leisure and foreign ministry, and baking.

Delorice was as generous in spirit as she was in heart, the kind of woman who opened her door to anyone in need without hesitation. Her kindness was matched by her larger-than-life personality and a sense of humor that could light up the cloudiest day. She was unapologetically herself, living life boldly and entirely on her own terms. The life of every party, Delorice carried herself with confidence, wit, style, and grace. Always impeccably dressed, she was a true fashionista who turned heads wherever she went. Whether Delorice was sharing a laugh, offering a helping hand, or dancing like no one was watching, Delorice radiated joy and left a mark on everyone she met.

In her final days, Delorice was surrounded by the love and care of her devoted daughter, Lisa, and her cherished caretaker and bonus niece, Sarah. Delorice found solace and strength in her faith. She would spend her time praying, singing, listening to gospel music, and reading her beloved Bible. Her spirit never wavered, regardless of the season. Delorice’s family showered her in an abundance of love through visits, phone calls, video messages, and heartfelt prayers, ensuring she felt cherished and supported until the very end.

Delorice was welcomed into Heaven by her loving parents, Ulysses Sr. and Elizabeth Rice, and her eldest daughter, Monique Spruell. Delorice leaves her legacy and has imparted her spirit into her children; Lisa Spruell & Raymond Spruell Jr. (Cherea), 4 grandchildren; Candyce Knowles (Marcel), Ian Spruell (Aleeyah), Kendra Knowles & Kendrick Knowles, 2 great-grandchildren; Jordyn Spruell & Dylan Moreau. Also remaining to celebrate her life are her 4 siblings Ulysses “Butch” Rice Jr. (Janice), Raymond Rice (Carolyn), Rita Walker (Gregory), and Jeffery Rice (Jeanette), goddaughter Tiffany Walker, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her grand-puppies, Kimbo and Oso.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 10:30am to 11:30am at Matawan United Methodist Church, 478 S Atlantic Ave, Matawan, NJ 07747.

A service will follow the visitation at 11:30am.

A graveside burial will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 1:00pm at Union Prospect Cemetery, Lloyd Rd, Aberdeen, NJ 07747.