Barbara A. Rice

Barbara Ann was the second daughter born to Clarence Joseph Anderson, Sr. and Dorothy Davis on February 17, 1941 in Granger, Texas.  She accepted Christ at an early age and was christened by Pastor T.S. Stewart at Burns Methodist Chapel, also in Granger, Texas.

Barbara started her education at Crispus Attucks School in Granger and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Bartlett, Texas.

Barbara was united in holy matrimony on July 11, 1959 to Robert Mackey, Sr. and to this union three children were born; daughters, Sharon Denise Mackey and Sandra Yvonne Mackey-Polk and son, Robert Lee Mackey, Jr. all from San Antonio, Texas.

Barbara was the first black employee to be hired in the San Antonio Office of the FBI.  At the time she was recruited, Barbara was a single mother of three children, living in the East Terrace Homes, and working as an attendant at the San Antonio State Hospital, where she served for eight years. FBI Agents approached the late Mr. Jim McGee, manager at East Terrace Homes, and requested he recommend individuals he considered good

+ candidates for employment.  Mr. McGee recommended Barbara and she began working for the FBI in November 1972.

During her tenure with the FBI, Barbara was given the opportunity to support several high-profile cases.  As such, she traveled to Atlanta, Georgia; San Diego, California and Falls Church, Virginia.  The most memorable experience in her career came when she was temporarily assigned to the office in Atlanta, where she met Coretta Scott King, the wife of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and her family.

Barbara enjoyed a career that began with the distinction of being the first black employee in her office.  She also enjoyed a life that has been both challenging and rewarding.

On January 3, 1977, she was united in holy matrimony with Henry (Hank) Rice, Sr. and they were blessed with 45 years of marriage until his passing in October 2022.

She also served as a member of the Government Girls Club and a member of The Red Hat Society.

On February 21, 2026, Barbara answered the Master’s call, “Come Home”, surrounded by her beloved children.

She is preceded in death by her husband. Henry Rice; father, Clarence Joseph Anders, Sr.; mother, Madie Dorothy Amos; daughter, Sharon Mackey; sisters, Dorothy Griffin, Vivian County, Billie Caldwell and her brother, Michael Anderson.

Cherishing her memory are her children, Sandra Polk, Robert Mackey (Gloria); grandchildren, Terrance Mackey, Chris Mackey (Jihan), Joseph Whitley, Ebonee’ Mackey, Crystal Mackey and six great-grandchildren.

She is survived by one aunt, Patsy Bracey of Killeen; 3 sisters, Clara Loving of San Antonio, Lynette Bassett of Sealy and Kathy Glenn of Bellville; 2 brothers, Clarence Anderson, Jr. (Diane) and Douglas Anderson (Mardenia) of San Antonio along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

In her spare time, Barbara enjoyed traveling with her family, having most recently visited Paris, France. What she loved most of all was caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating special memories.