Elizabeth Anne Hudkins Rice, 54, of Statesville, N.C., passed away after a long illness with her husband at her bedside on July 23, 2021.

She is survived by her husband Mike; sons Caleb (Mandy) of Fort Bragg, N.C., and Elijah of Oceanside, Calif.; a brother, Gary Hudkins (Jennifer) of Cornelius, N.C.; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Cordie and Lenora Hudkins, and several aunts and uncles.

From a very young age Elizabeth knew she wanted to be a nurse, and in 1986 that dream came true when she graduated from Marshall University. From there she decided she needed a bachelor’s degree so off she went to West Virginia Institute of Technology while working full time and with two small sons. Elizabeth loved nursing and Labor and Delivery were her passion. She eventually obtained a master’s degree, which opened up more doors, all the while she considered how her career would impact her family.

Elizabeth loved cooking – her favorite saying was, “If you leave my house hungry, it’s your own fault.”

No services are scheduled at this time. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local MS Society or Parkinson’s Foundation.

A special thank you to the ICU staff at Iredell Memorial Hospital for the love and care you showed Elizabeth and family at this difficult time, and to the Davie Funeral Service family who without your love and support the family would not have had the courage to keep fighting.

Reavis Funeral Home of Statesville are honored to serve the Rice family.