STARKVILLE — Eddie B. Rice, the mother of former NFL great Jerry Rice, has died. She was 77.

Mrs. Rice died at a Jackson hospital on Christmas Day. The cause of death was not released. A list of survivors was not immediately available.

Jerry Rice confirmed his mother's death on Twitter, saying “thank u all for the condolences on my mother. Much appreciated.”

Emma Randall at West Funeral Home in Starkville says funeral services are 2 p.m. Saturday at the Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church in the Oktoc community of Oktibbeha County.

Mrs. Rice was born in Starkville, one of 16 children. She had eight children of her own.