James Brice March 9, 2020

Celebration of Life Services Honoring

James Brice

Dallas Celebration of Life Service

Friday, March 6, 2020

6:00 pm

Ebenezer Baptist Church

4791 South Buckner Blvd.| Dallas, Texas 75227

Austin Celebration of Life Service  

Saturday, March 7, 2020

11:00 am  

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

2938 East 13th | Austin, Texas 78702

 Reverend James Lee Brice life’s journey began April 25, 1935, the only son to the parentage of T. F. and Lillie Mae Brice in Taylor, Texas. He accepted Christ at an early age.

He received his formal education in the Lubbock Independent School District. Where he graduated from High School.

He later attended Huston-Tillotson College in Austin Texas and went on to pursue his Biblical Studies at Guadalupe Bible Institute of San Antonio Texas.

Reverend Brice was united in marriage to Mary Jo Thomas on September 3, 1955 and to this union seven children were born: Winfred Ray, James Edward, Victor Steven, Rhonda Michelle, Lillie Renell, Larry Wayne and Samuel Seymore.

He confessed his calling to the ministry in 1956 under the leadership of his uncle, Rev S. M. Metters Jr. in Clovis, New Mexico. He later moved to Elgin, Texas where he received his ministry ordination under the leadership of Pastor Carrington of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. He was later called to Pastor the Swenson Grove Baptist Church of Taylor Texas. He also became the Servant Leader (Pastor) of the Pilgrim Baptist Church and the Good Will Baptist Church both located in Austin Texas. He was fully dedicated to winning souls to the Lord, teaching, training, developing, and “making disciples of all men.”

In 1972, the family relocated to Oakland California where he pastored the Mt. Herman Baptist Church, which later became the First Universe Baptist Church. It was here God inspired him to become an advocate for the poor, homeless and destitute. He believed the scripture ““He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him.” {Prov. 28:27}. Pastor Brice’s heart was filled with compassion. He prayed and The Lord provided the solution. In 1985, God revealed to him to create an organization called Mission S.A.F.E. (Save America From Evil), whose primary assignment was to clothe, feed and provide shelter for the poor. In April 1987, Pastor Brice and Mission S.A.F.E. was summoned to host a “NATIONAL SLEEP OUT” event to raise the awareness of Homelessness in Oakland and surrounding San Francisco Bay Area cities. This event garnered the attention of Mitch Snyder a well-known national advocate for the homeless who came to Oakland to join forces with Pastor Brice to address this state-wide growing issue. Rev. Jesse Jackson and United Farm Worker’s leader Ceaser Chavez, heard about Pastor Brice’s work in Oakland and came to lend their voice in support as well! 

He mentored and encouraged many young preachers. He often would open his pulpit during the 6:00 pm Sunday Night Services to his five biological sons who are all preachers and his “spiritual sons” as well. Many of them today acknowledge him as their Spiritual Father. He was blessed to have many Sons in the Gospel Ministry who were birthed under his leadership at the First Universe Baptist Church.

He was a Spiritual Father, who poured life into his spiritual children giving them biblical wisdom and teachings to live by. He was an awesome Counselor who would take the time to listen to those who needed guidance. He was an Encourager, who inspired, gave hope and lifted the spirit of anyone who was down. There were no strangers to him, everyone was important because they were created by God, made in His image and after His likeness. Pastor Brice manifested the Love and Forgiveness of God.

Preceding him in death are his father, T. F. Brice and his mother Lillie Mae Brice. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mrs. Mary Jo Brice; five sons Winfred (Erika), Austin, Texas, James (Francienne), Tyler, Texas, Victor (Tara), Oakland California, Larry (Genea), Desoto, Texas, Samuel (Alisa), Manteca California. Two daughters, Rhonda Harris (Grady), Los Angeles California and Lillie Brice, Desoto, Texas. 18 grandchildren Shahadah, Fred, Daria, Karlos, Natoya(Bobby) James Edward Jr., Edward James, Mercedes (James), Kateeda, Victor II, Victoria, Vincent, Ashlee, Elliott (Ajah), Destiny, Nicari (Leon), Larry II and Austin. 10 great grandchildren Jasmine, Braylon, Briana, Nileya, Israel, Mikayla, Javier, Kennedy, Morgan and Dallas, three sisters, one brother in law, and two sister in laws, nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives, friends, his Sons in the Ministry, and spiritual daughters.