Carol Hughes Brice

Carol Hughes Brice, lovingly known as Grammy, Grandma, and Mamaw, passed away peacefully September 8, 2026, at age 83.

Born November 2, 1942, to Arthur F. and Jessie C. Hughes, Carol grew up in Osawatomie, Kansas, then moved to Webster Groves, Missouri, graduating from Webster Groves High School in 1959.

Carol earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Southeast Missouri State University and devoted her career to teaching generations of students in the Cape Girardeau Public Schools. Education was more than a career for Carol; it was an opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives and the community she called home.

Carol’s faith was an important part of her life. She was a devoted member of New McKendree United Methodist Church for 62 years, a member of the Mary/Martha Circle, a Sunday school teacher and choir member for many years.

In 1989, Carol married Joe Brice, sharing 37 years together. They loved traveling throughout the United States, especially with grandchildren to the beach, New England, Disney World, and Europe.

Carol was one of those people who put others first. Her greatest joy was her family whom she welcomed with hugs, warm cookies, banana bread, a game at the kitchen table, and always lots of love. Carol inherited her mother’s love of gardening and found tranquility tending her many plants. She also adored dogs, loving five of her own and numerous “granddogs.”

She is survived by her husband, Joe Brice; children, Brian (Julie) Hahs and Christy (Mike) Flannery; stepdaughter, Julie (Dave) Fortune; stepson, Shawn Brice; brother, Richard (Jane) Hughes; 13 accomplished grandchildren; and 16 beautiful great-grandchildren.

Visitation is Saturday, September 19, 2026, 3–5 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home, with the funeral immediately following.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Liver Foundation or Muscular Dystrophy Association.