Women’s History Month Family Spotlight: Becky Anne Rice

The Barnes–Blow Family Women’s History Month Spotlight Series continues with Becky Anne Rice, a woman whose life reflects dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to family, faith, and professional excellence.

Becky Anne Rice, whose maiden name is Becky Anne Reese, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and currently resides in Chesapeake, Virginia. She is the daughter of Margaret (Blowe) Powell and William Henry Powell, with George Reese recognized as her biological father. Becky proudly carries forward the family lineage as the granddaughter of Sarah Mariah Wynn Blow and Richard Amos Blow.

Becky graduated from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, in May 1987. She continued her education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Science in May 1991. She later expanded her expertise by earning a Master of Science in Information and Telecommunications Systems from Johns Hopkins University in May 1999. In 2010, Becky achieved the respected Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which she renewed in September 2025.

With more than 34 years of professional experience, Becky has built an impressive career in technology and project leadership. She currently serves as an IT Project Manager with the United States Department of the Treasury (Internal Revenue Service), where her dedication, professionalism, and expertise contribute to important government operations and technology initiatives.

Family remains at the center of Becky’s life. She is the proud mother of Eva Margaret Rice and bonus mother to Kara Shanaye Rice, and she maintains close relationships with her extended family. Becky is also one of several siblings and shares family ties with Aaron Jordan, Taja McRae, William Powell Jr., and James Powell, along with many relatives from the Reese family.

Faith has long been an important part of Becky’s life. After completing her undergraduate degree, she moved to Maryland and lived there for nearly 29 years. In 2000, she joined Largo Community Church, which she lovingly calls her “Forever Church.” It was there that the foundation of her faith was deeply strengthened. 

Becky first joined the Tuesday Night Women’s Bible Study group and over the years faithfully served in many ministries, including the Women’s Fellowship Ministry, Magazine Ministry, Greeter’s Ministry, 11 a.m. Nursery Ministry, Communion Preparation Ministry, Praise Chorus Ministry, and the Dance Ministry. Serving in the Dance Ministry brought her tremendous joy. Although she has not ministered with a dance group since returning to Chesapeake in 2021, she has shared this gift through special moments such as her Aunt Sarah’s Homegoing service and alongside her daughter at the Wynn Blow Stith Family Reunion. 

Becky is now a member of Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia, and looks forward to supporting the Youth Dance Ministry and possibly helping to establish an adult dance ministry in the future. At present, her most meaningful ministry is caring for her mother, who is living with dementia.

Those who know Becky best describe her as kind, giving, and loving. Friends see her as caring, lively, and generous, while coworkers recognize her as respectful, dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate. These qualities have shaped both her professional journey and her relationships with family and community.

Becky is guided by values that center on faith, family, integrity, respect, fitness, and joy. When asked what wisdom she would share with the next generation of the Barnes–Blow Family, she offered a message rooted in faith and resilience:

“Learn to be content in any situation, in plenty and in need, knowing that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”

(Adapted from Philippians 4:11–13)

Through her decades of professional service, devotion to family, and commitment to faith, Becky Anne Rice continues to represent the strength and values that have long defined the Barnes–Blow family legacy.