Norma Darlene Bice

Norma Darlene Bice, 74, of Kenefick, Texas, passed away on Aug. 23, 2025, in Beaumont, Texas, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.

Darlene was born on Dec. 25, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas, to James T. Pike and Norma Melveda Pike. She spent her early years in Baytown and Pasadena, where she attended elementary and junior high school, and graduated from Sam Rayburn High School. She went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Design from San Jacinto Junior College and later obtained both a real estate license and a private pilot’s license for single-engine fixed-wing aircraft.

Darlene worked for several years at Reid, Strickland & Gillette in Baytown. A lifelong animal lover, she had a deep affection for all creatures—especially horses, dogs, cats, and birds. One of her greatest joys was realizing her dream of owning property in Kenefick, Texas, where she could care for and stable her beloved animals.

Darlene and her husband, Clarance “Scooter” Bice, shared a passion for trail riding and were active in the riding community for many years. They also enjoyed RVing and saltwater fishing, particularly at Spoonbill RV Park, where they often stayed with their RV and boat. In addition to her love of the outdoors, Darlene had a creative spirit and enjoyed making handmade special occasion cards for her friends and family.

She was a longtime member, alongside her husband Scooter, of Grace Community Baptist Church in Dayton, Texas, where her faith was an important part of her life.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents and her late husband, James Peel.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 20 years, Clarance “Scooter” Bice of Kenefick; her son, Scott Doolittle of Kenefick; her brother, Travis Pike and wife Carlotta of Beach City, Texas; her stepchildren, James Bice and wife Lori, and Gina Davis; and numerous extended family members and friends who will miss her deeply.

A visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. A celebration of life service will follow on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 11 a.m. at Grace Community Baptist Church in Dayton, with Pastor Marvin Denison officiating.

Pallbearers will be Scott Doolittle, Travis Pike, James Bice, Bryan Bice, Gary Bice, Joe Cater, and James Davis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Darlene will be remembered for her loving heart, adventurous spirit, creativity, and devotion to both her family and the animals she cherished.