WILMINGTON — Carolyn Ann Bishop Rice, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and coach, passed away suddenly on December 6, 2025, after suffering a sudden cardiovascular event at the starting line of a 10k running race. She was 80 years old.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky on April 12, 1945, Carolyn was the daughter of the late Nancy Atherton Bishop and Edward Thomas Bishop Sr. She was also predeceased by her younger sister, Nan Cahill Bishop, and her beloved aunt and uncle, Dolly and George Reiling.
Carolyn married the love of her life, Richard Oscar Rice, in 1967. Together they built a life of adventure and community. She was a woman of remarkable energy and passion who dedicated her life to education, coaching and family.
A graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in 1963 and the University of Louisville in 1967, Carolyn earned her Master’s degree in Linguistics, reflecting her lifelong love of learning. She went on to become a trailblazer in women’s sports, especially soccer. As a coach at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Virginia, she led her teams to two Virginia State Championships in 1987 and 1989. Her influence extended to competitive travel teams and the Olympic Development Program, shaping young athletes with her leadership and encouragement.
In the early 2000s, Carolyn embraced a new challenge: triathlon. Completing the Ironman Louisville became one of her proudest personal accomplishments and a testament to her courage and discipline.
After retiring in 2020, Carolyn and Richard moved to their beloved River Bluffs community in Castle Hayne, North Carolina. There, she continued to uplift her community by volunteering and helping establish an exercise class at the neighborhood gym.
Carolyn is survived by her daughter Emily Rice Porterfield and son-in-law Michael Porterfield of Alexandria, Virginia; her grandchildren Keely O’Dwyer Porterfield, Kirby Caroline Porterfield and Braden Xavier Porterfield. She is also survived by her brother, Edward Thomas Bishop Jr., and his wife Kathy Bishop of Richardson, Texas, along with many nieces, nephews, former students, athletes, and friends.
Carolyn was a woman of fierce determination and deep generosity. Her legacy lives on in all who were touched by her compassion, humor, and strength. She will be profoundly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Basilica of Saint Mary’s in Wilmington, North Carolina, on January 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will immediately follow at Riverside Kitchen and Bar, 1030 Chair Road, Castle Hayne, North Carolina.
Online condolences may be offered here.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Christian Help of Mingo County, West Virginia.
