Barbara Martin Richey

Barbara M. Richey

Easley, SC

 Barbara Martin Richey, a devoted matriarch and beloved member of her community, peacefully departed this life on September 14, 2024, at home in the presence of her loving family.

 Born on August 10, 1932, in Pendleton, South Carolina, Barbara's life was marked by grace, warmth, and an abiding dedication to her family, faith, and friends.

 Barbara was a graduate of Easley High School, class of 1950, for which she served as Class President. She worked with Theodore Accounting Service in Greenville until she had children, and later as bookkeeper for the Grady H. Hipp Nursing Center, where her caring nature resonated deeply with colleagues and residents alike.

 Barbara enjoyed serving her faith through her membership at Easley First United Methodist Church. She was a long-standing member of the Mount Olivet Sunday School Class, and, like her mother before her, was actively involved in the United Methodist Women. She loved to sing, and spent years using the gift of her rich soprano voice as a member of the church choir.

 Barbara would tell you that the most important things in her life were her family and her faith, but she also loved her greater community, friends, and fashion. She enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels and was an active member of the Azalea Garden Club. She enjoyed lunches out with her many friends. She especially loved shopping and was always eager to go to Talbots, especially with her daughter, Ginnye, her number one shopping partner.

 Barbara loved the farm that she lived on. She spent decades admiring the view of Table Rock and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains from her kitchen window. She loved the rolling land and old barn and the sunflower field planted in summers. She watched for the Cardinals and the Hummingbirds that would visit her backyard. She was much like her father, who instilled in her a love for the natural environment and gave her many azaleas and rhododendrons that flourished around her home.

 Barbara is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, James Oliver Richey; her children, son John Martin Richey of Boston, Massachusetts and Easley, and daughter Virginia “Ginnye” Lusk of Easley; her cherished grandson, James “Jay” Michael Lusk; her nephew, David Warren Smith (Ann), and niece, Elizabeth Ruth Smith (Randy); her four great-nieces; and one great-great niece. 

 Barbara was predeceased by her father, William “Jack” Martin; her mother, Elizabeth Hall Martin; and her sister Martha Hall Martin Smith. 

 As we reflect upon her life, we celebrate her legacy of love and kindness.

 The family will receive friends on Monday, September 16, 2024, from 11:30 AM until 12:45 PM and the fellowship hall of the Easley First United Methodist Church, with a celebration of life service to follow at 1 PM in the church sanctuary. Burial will be at the Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

 Memorials may be made to the Easley First United Methodist Church, 115 W. 1st Ave., Easley, SC 29640.

 Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown.