Carole Hawkins Rice

Carole Ann Hawkins Rice, 88 years old, passed peacefully at SRMC on June 4, 2023. She was born on October 20, 1934, the daughter of Beatrice Alberta Davenport and Ray Daniel Hawkins, in a house built by her grandfather Charlie Hawkins in Auburntown, Tennessee. She was the eldest of three children, with two brothers Ray Donald and Charles Stanton. Their family moved to Nashville when Carole was a child.

Carole attended college at Tennessee Tech University in 1954 before becoming a devoted homemaker, mother, and wife. In 1955, she married William DeMontbreun, and together they had two beloved children, Pamela and Keith DeMontbreun.

After raising her two children as a devoted, kind, and loving mom, Carole's passion for healthcare led her back to school at Vol State Community College. Upon graduation in 1978 with an Associate’s degree as a physical therapy assistant, she began a 20 year career as a dedicated PTA at Nashville Memorial Hospital.

In 1993, Carole found love again and married William Rice. They shared 30 years of marriage, residing in their cherished home in Hendersonville. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her six beloved grandchildren by Pamela and Keith: Holley Roberts, Michael Demonbreun, Hannah Johnson, Mirrah Johnson, Kristen Demonbreun, and Reid Johnson.

Carole's love extended beyond her family and career. She had a talent and passion for cooking, finding great joy in preparing delicious meals for her loved ones. She was a Christian in service of her community, an active member and volunteer at Madison Church of Christ for many years. Carole found solace and joy in tending her beautiful flower garden, which became a haven for beloved birds and a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Carole delighted in reading about other cultures and places, and she had exciting travels. With friends and her husband, Willie, she traveled the USA, to Europe, and to China.

Carole's warmth and generosity touched the lives of many. Her unwavering love for her family, her home-cooked meals, and her curious spirit will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Carole Ann Hawkins Rice will be deeply missed by her husband Willie, her brother Stan, her children Pamela and Keith, grandchildren Holley, Hannah, Mirrah, Kristen, and Reid; her step-children: Rebecca Rice Dempsey (Steve), Robert Myers Rice (Leslie), Suzanne Rice Thompson (Steve); seven step-grandchildren: Ryan Dempsey, Alex Dempsey, Sam Rice, Rob Rice, Kate Thompson, Kyle Thompson, Drew Thompson; and one step-great grandchild: Ari Thompson, among many other beloved family members. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to family. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Carole Ann Hawkins Rice's memory, supporting the research and treatment of children with life-threatening illness.