RICE, Sylvia Rae Johnson 61 of Inverness, FL died Thursday, May 4, 2017 at her residence. Sylvia was born in St. Petersburg, FL to Robert & Ann (Wakely) Johnson. She was best known for her ability to train horses. She was the owner and proprietor of Oak Hills Stables in Brooksville, FL and Handcock Creek Stables in Fort Myers. Sylvia was horse whisperer and had a very special sixth sense when it came to animals; she owned and trained horses, zebras, camels and donkeys. Sylvia was very active in the YMCA in Spring Hill, FL, The Hernando County Sheriffs Civilian Mounted Unit, she enjoyed teaching others especially children on how to take care of horses, to ride and participate in competitions, many of which she and her students won. She will always be remembered for her smile, her horsemanship and her willingness to help others in need. Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents Robert H. and Ann (Wakely) Johnson and a sister Susan Gay Johnson. She is survived by her loving husband of 31 years Richard A Rice and three precious children (Dogs) JJ, Jacque and Mandy and her four precious horses, Ben, Bella Justin and Dixie. Also left to cherish her life are her sisters: Shelia A. (Peter) Annazone of N. Fort Myers, FL, Sandra J. Showalter and Betty O. Shaw both of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Sharon L. Mohler (Duane) of Byron, Georgia. The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at Hodges Family Funeral Home, 11441 Hwy 301 Dade City, FL 33525. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Monday in the Chapel Mausoleum of Chapel Hill Gardens, 11531 US Hwy 301, Dade City, FL 33525. Visitation

Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Sunday, May 7, 2017 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, Florida 33525 Directions Funeral Service

Chapel Hill Gardens, Chapel Maudoleum

Monday, May 8, 2017 11:00 AM 11531 US HWy 301 Dade City, FL 33525 Directions