Mary Dean Rice Whitt, 86, of Mars Hill, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. She was born November 25, 1938, to the late James Wayne Rice and Jennie Lou Myers Ingle. Also preceding her in death was her husband, Bascom Whitt who died October 9, 2025; and a brother, Jimmy Rice

Mary was a lifelong member of Middle Fork Missionary Baptist Church.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Pam Whitt, and Tammy Foxx (Craig); son, Michael Whitt (Cindy); brother, Phil Rice (Judy); grandchildren, Alesha Soehl (Sean), Jesse Pottle, Savannah Whitt, Breanna Pottle, Mollie Whitt, and Emilie Whitt; great granddaughter, Alessandra Soehl; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm, Monday, November 3, 2025, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service. Reverend Homer Tweed will officiate. Burial will follow in the Rice Cemetery. The family will receive friends, one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Blue Ridge Funeral Service, PO Box 27, Mars Hill, NC 28754.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.