Louise R. Rice

There comes a time in everyone's life when they must retire from their life’s labor and for a short while, leave the ones they love until we meet again.

So, today we pause to give thanks for the life of Ms. Louise Rembert Rice, who began her life’s journey on September 6, 1940 in Rembert, South Carolina to the late Eugene and Albertha Richardson Rembert.

Ms. Louise Rembert Rice affectionately known by her family and friends as “Lulu” was a mother, sister, cousin, godmother, and friend. Louise lit up the room when she walked in!

Louise had an infectious smile and demeanor of being strong and fearless. Lulu was caring, kind and a woman of many talents.

Louise had an invigorating and chic-fashionable refreshing style of dressing, assuring her attire was attractive and correct for each of her life’s adventures she would encounter.

Louise enjoyed reading, writing, cooking, shopping, traveling, quiet times at home, and surfing the internet. She was the “DIVA” of Facebook and enjoyed sharing old and new photos with her friends and family. She also shared important relevant and spiritual posts on Facebook.

She was a people’s person and never met a stranger. Louise was a devoted mother, friend, and neighbor. Although her presence will be greatly missed by family and friends alike, she will continue to live in the hearts and memories of all those she touched while she journeyed here on earth.

As a child, Ms. Louise was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church. When she migrated to New York she became a member of the Bridge Street AME Church in Brooklyn, New York.

Growing up, Louise was educated in the Florence, South Carolina Public School System and graduated from Wilson High School Class of 1958. She moved to New York City in 1958 upon graduating from Wilson High School.

While in New York City, she met, fell in love and married Edward D. Hicks, who preceded her in death. To this union, one child was born, Edward D. Hicks, Jr. Lulu later remarried.

Louise was an Executive Secretary-Office Manager to one of Macy’s Department Store Vice Presidents in New York City for 40 years. She continued her occupation as an Administrative to the Vice President of Sini Fulvi (a cheese import Company from Italy) located in Brooklyn, New York for 10 years.

The Wilson High School Alumni Association began around 1975 in New York City. Louise “Lulu” and a few other Wilson Alumni of New York would meet every Friday night from home to home to have a Sip and Chat. Ms. Louise initiated and organized the New York Wilson Alumni Chapter.

Due to an increase in people being interested in the Wilson Alumni’s Gatherings several of the Alumni started Chapters in Washington, District of Columbia, Philadelphia, Connecticut, Florence, Maryland, and Atlanta.

In 1984, Louise reorganized the New York City Chapter and had two successful cruises to Nowhere. The last one was in 1988 and she retired from the New York City Chapter in 1989.

Louise was proud of the Wilson Tigers and would return home to Florence every year where she took pride in participating in the Wilson High School Homecoming Celebration and riding her class Homecoming Parade Float. In addition, she would attend the Wilson High School Alumni Association Events in and out of State. She always encouraged other Wilsonians to keep the spirit of the Wilson Tigers and she maintained her school spirit by wearing purple and gold clothing.

Louise relocated back to Florence, South Carolina in January of 2023, and continued to support her Wilson High School Alumni Association and Community.

In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by three brothers, Eugene Rembert, Jr., Walter and Russell; and a sister-in-law, Carlotta Rembert.

Louise leaves to mourn: a son, Edward D. Hicks, Jr. of Florence, South Carolina; a sister, Pansy Nettles of Brooklyn, New York; an honorary son, Renard Sweat of Brooklyn, New York; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; several friends of 50 plus years friendship, Jimmy Williams, Barbara Robinson, Mary Taylor, Billy Pettigrew, Sarah Becote Wilson, Lucille Adin, Sammie Robinson, Lenolia Bryant, Elizabeth McCleary and Pearl Shephard. In addition, a special longtime friend, Joyce Harvin of Brooklyn, New York.

Do not mourn for Louise, because her life was full the years she lived. She enjoyed the laughter of friends, the joy of seeing her family grow, the experience of being loved. But most of all, she received the most Special Gift of All --“The Gift of Life.”  

 The family has requested no family visitation.

Please keep the family of Louise Rembert Rice in your thoughts and prayers.