Virginia Richards

Virginia Hobbs Richards

Wrens, GA –               Virginia Hobbs Smith Templeton Richards, 95, loving wife of the late William Gordon Smith, the late Joseph S. Templeton and the late Edwin D. Richards, entered into her eternal rest Saturday afternoon, December 26, 2020 at her residence. Graveside services to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday afternoon, December 29, 2020, in the Waldens United Methodist Church Cemetery in Avera with Reverend Chad Watkins officiating.

Because of the family’s respect and concern for public health and safety during this COVID-19 pandemic, the family requests that social distancing and other safety precautions be followed.  The wearing of face masks is strongly encouraged.

The eldest of four children born to the late Alma Godowns Hobbs and the late Jim Hobbs, Virginia grew up in the Avera area. After graduating high school, she married the love of her life. Six days after giving birth to their baby girl in 1945, her husband was killed while serving our country during WWII. She married Joe Templeton in 1946, blending their families as well as having two daughters of their own. Sixteen years later, she found herself again a widow.  Later that year in 1962, Virginia married Edwin Richards and was happily married for 24 years until his passing in 1986.  A homemaker, she loved taking care of her family, making their home a place of love and a safe-haven where Jesus was Lord.  An excellent cook, she found much pleasure in feeding her family the food she so lovingly prepared.  Being very physically active, she loved being outdoors and could be found working in her yard, tending her flowers and growing the best tomatoes. Her hard work won her “yard of the month” several times.  Virginia also loved listening to gospel music and singing along with her favorite hymns, which she did til the very end.  A loyal, devoted friend, she had a great love for people and helping in any way she could.  Virginia loved her Lord and Savior, and as their oldest member, actively and faithfully served Him at Wrens United Methodist Church for 61+ years.  In 2015, her health declined to the point that she could no longer drive, work outside, walk etc. and was pretty much homebound. Virginia’s greatest joy was her family who she loved absolutely and unconditionally—each held a special place in her heart. She depended upon God’s grace and strength to see her through life’s trials—she fought the fight and has now finished her race. With a “Well done thy good and faithful servant”, she has been welcomed into her eternal home in Heaven.

Virginia was also preceded in death by her daughter, Linda T. Rogers; grandson, Tom Smith; and siblings, James Hobbs, Lester Hobbs and Dorothy Davis. Survivors include her three children, Lynette Brooks (Joe), Judy McMurrain, and Lisa Childers; three step children, Faith Aldred (Thomas), Grady Templeton (Pat) and Jack Templeton; nine grandchildren, Scott Brooks, Jeff Brooks (Connie), Greg Brooks (Toni Lynn), Tracy Shaffer, Jennifer Stafford (Scott), Julie Busby (Shane), Bradley Rogers (Mandy), Tracey Rogers and Kerri Jo Smith (Curtis); 19 great grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and church family. Pallbearers will be Greg Brooks, Jared Brooks, Jeff Brooks, Scott Brooks, Jamie Stafford and Justin Stafford.

The family expresses their heartfelt thanks for their loving, compassionate and professional care to the staff of Alliance Hospice, Ruby Terrell, Annie Vaughner, Wanda Kelley and Jennett Richardson.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to Wrens United Methodist Church, 202 Russell Street, Wrens GA 30833.