Zelma Dean Gabbard Rice

Zelma Gabbard Rice, a devoted mother, meme, grandmeme, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away on Friday, September 29th, 2023, in Kingsland, GA. Born on November 27, 1930, in Jamestown, Kentucky, her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, family, and faith.



Zelma was celebrated for her culinary talents, especially her famous homemade chicken and dumplings and mouthwatering fried apple pies. These dishes weren't just meals; they were cherished expressions of her love and nurturing spirit. Friends and family eagerly anticipated her delicious creations.



Beyond her homemade cooking, Zelma's heart was deeply devoted to her faith and church family. She served as a pastor's wife, dedicating herself to the ministry. Her unwavering faith in the Lord radiated through her actions, and she found solace and strength within her church community. Zelma also lent her voice to worship, singing hymns and praises with her church family.



In addition to her ministry work, Zelma was a skilled seamstress and an avid quilter. She poured her creativity and love into every stitch, fashioning beautiful quilts that provided warmth and comfort to family and friends.



Zelma's legacy of love extended to her family, whom she cherished above all else. She was a source of strength and boundless love for her children, Rev. Tim Gabbard Sr. and wife Jewel, as well as Ronda Johns and husband James.



Surviving Zelma are her four sisters: Gladys McKinley, Olva Jackson, Mary Lou Commins and Yvonne Duren, who shared a lifelong bond of sisterhood. Her special brother-in-law, Dan Sebastian, held a special place in her heart and provided unwavering support and friendship.



Her memory lives on in her beloved grandchildren: Brandy Dedman (Rev. Charles), Jessica Palmer, Timothy Gabbard II & (Jordan), Jamie Johns (Christy), Justin Johns (Jeff), Zachary Johns and Caroline Barnes.  As well as her great-grandchildren, Carter, Braxton, and Gabrielle Dedman, Talon and Jace Hutto, Timothy Gabbard III, Matthew, Brandon, and Ashlyn Johns, and her many cherished nieces and nephews.



Zelma was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Rev. James Gabbard and her husband of 12 years, Eugene Rice.  As well as by her parents, Mark and Vinnie George, two brothers, CB George and RV George, and two sisters, Dorothy Sebastian and Velva Wilder.



Arrangements for her final farewell are as follows:

- Wednesday, October 4th

- 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM - Viewing

- Funeral Service immediately following

- Location: The Harbor Worship Center

- Address: 140 Colerain Rd, Kingsland, GA





Following the Funeral Service, a graveside ceremony will be held:

- Location: Colesburg Cemetery

- Address: 1260 Colesburg Tompkins Rd, Woodbine, GA



Zelma Gabbard Rice's legacy is a testament to her unwavering love for her family, her deep faith in the Lord, her dedication to the ministry, her joy in singing praises with her church family, her passion for sewing and quilting, and her culinary talents. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.



May her love for her church family and her unwavering dedication to her family and faith continue to bring comfort and joy to those she leaves behind.