Obituary of Seth Jamal Rice

Seth Jamal Rice was born on June 6, 2011, to Howard (Jamal) and Sarah Rice, in Mount Holly, New Jersey.  He was affectionately known as “Bunkie, JuJu Bean, Sethie,and Bam Bam!”  

At the tender age of 5, he opened his heart and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Since then, he has cared for people who were in need and those who were less fortunate. He started, “Seth’s Mission”, in 2016, where he helped a battered mother shelter, providing food for thanksgiving, and gifts for Christmas. 

He attended The Kings Christian School in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where he played the voice of God, in “The Egyptian Story Play.” He also wrote a book called, “Captain Sunday and The Black Lion.” His activities included singing in the chorus, playing the trumpet and percussion. He ran cross country, played basketball, and ran track. For his final race, he set a personal record in the mile race of (5:35)!! Seth formed a lot of friendships and relationships with his classmates and staff of his school.  

The Rice family became partners of Bethel Church in 2019 under the leadership of Senior Pastor Kurt Kinney.  Seth volunteered in the nursery ministry at the age of 10.  He was in the Christmas plays with Bethel kids.  At the age of 11 he joined “Bethel Youth,” under the leadership of Pastor Joshua Kinney.  He performed with the unconventional percussion group for state and national fine arts.  During the AG National Youth Convention last year, he heard the call of God to be a missionary!  Seth developed a lot of friendships that turned into family that will never be forgotten.  

Seth's life exemplified, “Romans 1:16”!!  He was unashamed to share the gospel, to anyone, anywhere.  Seth loved the Lord!  His favorite scripture was “John 3:16. His favorite saying was “God bless you!”  Seth loved to read, write stories, music, put together lego sets, video games, especially nintendo sports (basketball) and monopoly!!  HE LOVED JIMMY JOHNS!!

On July 19, 2024 he went home as he would say “to walk with the animals and talk with Jesus!”.

Seth leaves to cherish his memories: Howard (father), Sarah(mother), Sarai (sister), Stephen (brother). Great-Grandmother (Rev. Bessie Jones), Great-Grandfather (Edmond T. McCloud Sr.), Grandfathers (Rev. Howard Jones, Apostle Michael Bobien, and Kenneth Bulle), Grandmothers (Carol Ann Rice, Min. Lois Bulle, and Evang. Ayanna Jones), aunts, uncles, cousins, godparents, god sisters, god brothers, and a host of friends (family) from church and school.  Seth will be sorely missed and forever in our hearts