Rachel Renee Pace was born on March 26, 1964, in Monticello, AR, to Edward (Bo) Pace and Leola Owen Pace. She lived most of her life in the Green Hill community, surrounded by extended family and friends.
At the age of 2, Rachel was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, but that did not slow her down. She was among the first participants in the newly developed Sesame School in the early 1970s. She attended this school year-round and developed many long-lasting friendships. Rachel always had a smile while competing in the local area Special Olympics, where she garnished many ribbons and medals and even competed at the state level, earning even more trophies and medals.
As she grew older, Rachel continued to defy expectations. She continued her education at Advantages of Southeast Arkansas in Monticello, Jodi Partridge in Dumas, and Focus Inc. in Jonesboro, AR. Her determination and personal growth were evident while working two jobs during her lifetime. She spent approximately three years at Pizza Hut before moving to The Other Way Thrift Store. She met so many people and never forgot a name or face.
Rachel's hobbies included singing, drawing, writing, and dancing. Her nieces and nephews were her greatest admirers, and she dearly loved them.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Jack and Josie Owen of Star City; her paternal grandparents, Lonnie, and Susie Pace; her father, Bo Pace; her mother, Leola Pace; and her brother, Mike Pace, all of Drew County.
Rachel is survived by two loving aunts, May Hobbs and Cleora Crook of Monticello; her brother, Mark (Chris) Pace of the Green Hill community; sisters Roxanne (Chuck) Karnes of Monticello; Susan (Rodney) Wishard of Enon; and Sally (B.J.) Smith of Jonesboro, and sister-in-law, Carolyn Pace. She also leaves nine nieces and nephews, their spouses, 23 great-nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Green Hill Cemetery. One hour before the service, the family will receive friends and family at the Green Hill United Methodist Church, all under the direction and care of Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank the Staff and Nurses of the Dementia Unit at the Woods for taking over our sister's care. We also want to thank the Doctors and Nurses of the Drew Memorial ICU, Drs. Tim and Sylvia Simon, the Staff and Nurses at BelleView Estates Nursing Home and Rehab Center, and our angels at Hospice Home Care of Monticello. Two extraordinary people, Patsy Williams and Inez Whitaker, also helped with our sister's care and transition to her heavenly home.
You can sign Rachel's guestbook here on her page.
Condolences(16)
Deborah O Robbins
Monticello, AR Sunday, May 26, 2024 So sorry for the loss of your sweet sister,I know she will be missed by each of you. Try to think of the smile on her face as she reunites with each family member that has already passed to a greater reward.
Shelia Ratledge
monticello, AR Saturday, May 25, 2024 Rachel was a true joy to know and so many of us join you her family in mourning. I remember Rachel from all the way back to Sesame School which she attended with one of my little sisters and later as she worked at Pizza Hut . I'm sure there were others who enjoyed dining there due to the smile we always received by Rachel. I have so many happy memories of her through the years and I know those Happy memories yall have of her will always make you feel love and bring a smile to your face. it has been my honor and privilege to know Rachel. Shelia and Danny RatledgeInez Whitaker
Dermott, AR Saturday, May 25, 2024 Sending my deepest condolences. I will forever cherish the memories of our sweet Ray Ray... Love always, InezPat Matthews
Maumelle, AR Saturday, May 25, 2024 Sally,I remember you and Rachel l riding the DC school bus together and how protective you were of her.I am so sorry for you and your families'loss.
Pat Matthews
Former DC Counselor
Doug McCarty
Conway, AR Friday, May 24, 2024 While attending UAM, I drove a school bus for Drew Central. It was there I met this precious little girl named Rachael. Every morning, she was beaming with joy and always had the biggest smile. She left such an impression on me, that will be with me always. How fortunate and blessed I am that our paths crossed so many years ago. Rest in peace Ms. Rachel.Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Friday, May 24, 2024 All of Rachel's family & friends have my prayers of comfort. I can remember when she was born on my mother Fay W. McClain's birthday. The two of them would go up together to give their birthday offering at Green Hill Methodist Church. Rachel, as you already know, was such a sweet person. I remember well seeing her at her job at Pizza Hut. Many lives were blessed by knowing Rachel.Bob & Teresa Stark
Monticello, AR Friday, May 24, 2024 Mark & Family,The passing of your sister should remind each of us of God’s love. He cares for us and is always with us. Call on Him with thanks for His love and assurance through everything. You are all in our prayers.
Julie Trucks
Warren, AR Friday, May 24, 2024 Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sorrow. May God Bless you all.Sincerely,
Belle View Estates Staff
Alan McClain
Monticello, AR Friday, May 24, 2024 I remember Rachel very well from my visits as a kid to Green Hill Methodist Church, along with my grandmother, Bertie Dunlap. Rachel and I are about the same age and she was a joy to be around. I know her life blessed many people!Marijo Miles
Spfld, MO Friday, May 24, 2024 A life lived to the fullest , always a smiling face , and loved by many .Teresa Abney
Wilmar, AR Thursday, May 23, 2024 Rachel was such a loving and beautiful lady, she always had a smile on her face and I feel honored just knowing her. Please know that my thoughts, love and prayers are with the entire family.Karon Loveless
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 23, 2024 Dear Pace Family,I am so sorry for your loss. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jane Jo Summerford
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 23, 2024 I have such great memories of Rachel! Just know that I am one of many who holds her memory with such cherished thoughts. She was a sweetheart!Beth Davis
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 23, 2024 Thoughts and prayersCindy McKinstry
Little Rock/Green Hill, AR Thursday, May 23, 2024 My thoughts are with all of you during this time of loss. Rachel was a sweet person to be around,Mary Doss Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Thursday, May 23, 2024 Dear family please accept my deepest sympathy at your great loss. I know Rachel will be missed but I know she is happy seeing God and her parents and Mike.