Geraldine Edna Richards

Geraldine Edna Richards, 97, of Irmo entered God’s eternal kingdom peacefully at her home with her family by her side. She was pre-deceased by her parents, five siblings, and husband. Survived by devoted, loving daughter Jorja Hicks Sanders, cherished grandson Michael Hicks, our beloved great grandchildren, Hayley Hicks Fletcher (our girl), Jordan Hicks, Rochelle Hicks, Rory Hicks, and five (soon to be six) precious great-great-grandchildren. She had a difficult childhood growing up during the depression. But she always said that because her parents maintained enough livestock & gardens & fruit trees, they were never hungry, always clean, and were able to feed numerous neighbors. Family was everything, respect and hard work were expected. Her first formal job was at the Willow Run Bomber Plant as one of the original Rosie the Riveters, working on the wing sections of the B-52’s. Her father and brothers all joined the military at the time of WWII and her husband was serving in Pearl Harbor at the time of the Japanese attack. After the war, she always worked difficult jobs running machinery in a manufacturing facility, industrial sewing machine operator at Ford Motor Co. sewing welt cording on automobile upholstery. She later worked as a Macomb County Deputy Sheriff in Mt. Clemens, MI. Upon the death of her husband, she moved to Malone, NY, to be near her daughter and family. She then worked as a school bus driver for ten years and later as a TA in the Malone Central School System. And during her “free” time, she assisted her daughter at her several businesses, including her Gordies Gazebo Steakhouse, where she pitched in without hesitation to do whatever was needed, including sinks of dishes, clearing tables, and being “Grams” to the staff. Always there to help others, in anyway she could, and offering first-hand advice to the younger generation. Family meant everything to her. Although the miles often separated them, she asked daily for updates on each one. She did have trouble, at times, separating who was a great or great-great grandchild, but visits on FaceTime were so helpful keeping her more current on their growth. She had a tough shell that developed due to the tough times, but underneath it was a huge, soft heart. Her quick wit was always laced with a little sarcasm, just to keep the listener on their toes. A proud American and outspoken about her loyalty to this country and the countless people who sacrificed and died to defend the freedom and democracy it represents. Retirement didn’t agree with her. It was too confining and boring. She needed to work and be busy to be happy. She has gone Home now, which she hoped for so much these last few years. To return to her Heavenly Father, resting in his loving arms and knowing He will keep her busy. She will be at Peace and Happy once again. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo, SC, 29063(Building Fund).

A service for Mrs. Richards will be held next Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Riverland Hills Baptist Church.