Inez McBryde Rike

INEZ MCBRYDE RIKE, longtime resident of the Williston Community, retired educator and wife of the late Joseph B. Rike died July 11, 2010 at her residence at the age of 91. She was born on October 7, 1918 in Ripley, Mississippi to James and Janie McBryde. Her parents moved back to the old home place in Williston when she was five years old. She attended Gaither School through the fifth grade, Williston School through the eighth grade and graduated as salutatorian from Fayette County High School in 1936. She attended Lambuth College and received a life-time teaching certificate.

Janie, her mother died when Inez was only nine years old which left her in the role of mother/homemaker for her four siblings. This early experience caused Inez to develop into the wonderful caretaker she was throughout her life. On June 1, 1941, she married Joseph B. Rike and they lived happily together for 52 years before his death in 1993.

"Miss Inez" as she was affectionately known throughout her community positively influenced many lives through her professional, church and volunteer work. She taught school for a number of years and served as principal of Williston Elementary School. Many of her students have maintained a close relationship with her some for over 65 years. After her retirement, she was a teacher in the Christian Bible Study Program for adults. Throughout her life, she was a faithful member of the Williston United Methodist Church as well as an active community member. Her warm personality and loving nature helped her to be a friend to many, both young and old.

She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by her four children and their spouses: Cheryl J. Rike and husband, James Wiles; Janie V. Rike (Ginja) and husband, Bill Troutt, James M. Rike and wife, Darlene; and Joseph P. Rike, and wife, Donna. She leaves eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who have brought her great joy and happiness and who will miss her wisdom and guidance. She also leaves a sister, Margaret McBryde Johnson as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville on Tuesday, July 13th from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held at Williston United Methodist Church on Wednesday, July 14 at 10:00 A.M. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Williston immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to send donations to the Williston United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.