Obituary of Nancy Claire Rice Mayhew

Nancy Claire Rice Mayhew, 86, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was born on November 10, 1937, to the late Coy E. Rice & Iris Grubbs Rice. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Samuel Orie Mayhew. Also preceding her were her brother, Kenneth Rice, Sr and wife, Claire and her brother-in-law, Kenneth Journell.

She is survived by sister, Ann Journell; her nieces, Terry Deacon (Greg); Joan Tyree (James); Diane Armstrong (Bill); and nephew Kenneth Rice, Jr.; special cousin, Janet Powers; numerous great nieces & nephews, cousins and special friends.

Nancy was a life-long resident of Bedford County, and a teacher with Bedford County Schools for 30 years, retiring from Liberty High School, where she taught Home Economics. She was an avid seamstress and an excellent cook. She and Sam traveled extensively on bus trips with friends and enjoyed activities as members of the Bedford Moose Lodge.

Most recently Nancy resided at Spring Oak of Bedford (Elks Home), and the family appreciates the care and support she received from the staff and residents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church, 212 East Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523, or Bedford Fire & Rescue, 1185 Turning Point Rd., Bedford, VA 24523.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Main Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Dawn Compton officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until service time at the church. Interment will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.