Obituaries

Jennie Lynn Richards, 77, of Fieldale, Virginia, passed away peacefully and entered the gates of Heaven on Sunday evening, May 24, 2026.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 3, at 2:00 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Martinsville, Virginia, with Pastor Lee Ashley officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at Norris Funeral Home in Martinsville. Norris Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born August 15, 1948, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Jennie was the daughter of the late Earl William Miller, Sr., and Anne Marie Ducey. She grew up in Long Branch, New Jersey, where she attended Long Branch High School. After marrying in 1968, she moved to Florida and began raising her family. In the 1990s, she made Southwest Virginia her home, drawn by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the peaceful surroundings she loved so much.

Jennie began her career as a legal secretary before transitioning into banking. She retired from Wells Fargo Bank after a distinguished career spanning several decades and was known for her dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for those she served.

Jennie was a devoted Christian whose life reflected her belief in loving others with kindness, grace, and compassion. Above all else, she believed in loving one another and lived that principle every day through her words, actions, and unwavering concern for others.

Above all, Jennie was devoted to her family. A loving mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, sister, and friend, her greatest joy was watching her family grow and thrive. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and heard. Whether offering a listening ear, an encouraging word, or a helping hand, she touched countless lives through her kindness and generosity. She also had a rare ability to maintain lifelong friendships and reconnect with friends she had known for decades.

Jennie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, dancing, singing, and creating lasting memories with those she loved. She was known for her warm spirit and thoughtful gestures, including her tradition of calling loved ones to sing “Happy Birthday” in person or on their voicemail. Her infectious smile, compassionate heart, and joyful personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Jennie was truly one of a kind. The world is brighter for having known her, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

In addition to her parents, Jennie was preceded in death by her brother, Earl W. Miller, Jr.

She is survived by her son, Michael Richards; her daughter, Lauriannah Watkins; her brother, Hugh Ducey; her sister, Jane Manning; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Norris Funeral Service is in charge.