Janice D. Rice

Janice Diane Rice, 73, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2024, in Providence, RI. She

was born April 26, 1950, in Birmingham, AL, and was predeceased by her parents, Arthur M.

Rice, Jr., and Mary Carpenter Rice, and her husband, Dr. Dean Batroukha. She is survived by

her sisters, Debbie Bailey (Ric) of Reno, NV, Becky Yates of Nashville, TN, and Karen

Harrelson (Lee) of Birmingham, AL; eight nieces and nephews, 21 great nieces and nephews and

two great-great nieces.

A 1968 graduate of Shades Valley High School in Birmingham, AL, Janice was a member of the

Thespians and starred in numerous theater productions. Her passion for the theater led to her

selection to Northwestern University’s National High School Institute (NHSI) Theatre Cherubs

program for outstanding high school students. This early experience launched Janice into a

lifelong career of teaching and performing. After graduating in 1972 from the University of

Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts, Janice earned her Master’s in Speech Communication at

Northwestern University followed by her Ph.D. in Performance Studies. While at Northwestern,

Janice wrote and performed a one-woman play based on the writings of May Sarton, which was

critically acclaimed by the Chicago press.

Janice taught Speech and Communications at the University of Rhode Island before heading to

Europe to teach for several years through the University of Maryland Global Campus. She

returned to the U.S. to become a professor in the Department of Speech and Communications at

the University of Lynchburg (Virginia), until her retirement in 2006, when she was named

Professor Emerita.

Besides her love of the theater, Janice enjoyed attending rock concerts. She was passionate about

greyhound rescue and found great joy and companionship in her two greyhounds, Kara and

Suzie. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority and was active for many years in the

Democratic Party.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Lincolnwood Rehabilitation and Harmony Hospice in

Providence for their wonderful care during Janice’s last weeks of life. The family also extends

special love and thanks to her close-knit group of girlfriends for providing Janice with a lifetime

of love and support.

A private graveside service will be held at Ridout’s Forest Hill Cemetery, Birmingham, AL, for

the immediate family. A Celebration of Life is planned in the spring for Janice’s family and

friends.

The family kindly requests any memorials be made to:

NHSI Theatre Cherubs program at Northwestern University via the link provided below, or

through the Northwestern Alumni Relations and Development Gift and Record Services,

1201 Davis Street, Evanston, IL 60208.

https://secure.ard.northwestern.edu/s/1479/282-giving/form-bc.aspx?

sid=1479&gid=282&pgid=25577&cid=42773&appealcode=PAYA8&dids=2.1.1481&bledit=1&

sort=1&utm_campaign=OC24&utm_content=PAYA8&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=exte

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