Mary Thornburg Richards

PSALM 91:2 a€"I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust

Mary Thornburg Richards, 87, of Kingsport, went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, February 23, 2009, peacefully at home.

Mrs. Richards was born in Jearoldstown, Tennessee on November 11, 1921, to Joel and Alice Thornburg and attended Evangel Family Worship Center as long as health permitted. She was a loving mother, mother-in-law, mamaw, sister, and friend.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Flora C. Richards in 1970; a granddaughter, Angel H. Richards in 1989; six brothers, Carl, Willie, Clemer, Thomas, Berthel, and "Little" Ernest Thornburg; two sisters, Leona Drain and Maude Lucas; and a half-sister, Jeanne Walker.

Surviving are her children, Norma and Tex Sims of Knoxville, TN, David and Tina Richards of Kingsport, Vivian Stewart of Mt. Carmel, Denzil and D. J. Richards of Kingsport; grandchildren, Cindy Christian, Yvette Spears, Chris Jones, Amy Green, Shanna Scott, Damon Richards; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Opal McAmis, Alma McCrary; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A special thanks to the volunteers of Meals on Wheels and Home Health Care for all of the loving care they generously gave.

The family will receive from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Funeral services will follow at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Pastor James O. Hagy and Pastor David Townsend officiating.

Graveside services will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Damon Richards, Ronnie Hammonds, John Green, Billy McAmis, Bobby McAmis, Patrick Weber, and William Scott.