Carolyn Richards

Born July 30, 1940, in Albemarle, NC, she was the daughter of the late George and Phronie Russell. She graduated from New London High School in 1958, where she was Miss Merry Christmas, Class Beauty, and cheerleader. She then furthered her education at Kings College Business School in Charlotte. After graduation, she started her career with many roles in accounting and financial business. She retired at age 72 from St. John Baptist Church as Financial Office Manager.

She met the love of her life, Bart (aka Big Daddy) through mutual friends. They were married April 2, 1961, at First Baptist Church in Albemarle. Their first born, Angie, arrived quickly the following January, and Kelly a few years later. She was a devoted mother and friend to her girls, grandmother of four, lovingly known as Mimi, great grandmother of six, with two more little ones coming this spring.

Carolyn and Bart fulfilled their dream in 1989 by purchasing acreage in Waxhaw moving to the country and building The Richards Ranch. They quickly added 4 horses to their country family and participating for many years in the fourth of July parade in Downtown Waxhaw. Carolyn quickly became involved in the community they loved so much, both her and Bart joining the Wesley Chapel volunteer fire department. Carolyn was frequently seen at the fire department during the famous BBQ fundraisers running the cash register and greeting all her neighbors with “Hey, Y’all” and her beautiful smile. She and Bart were instrumental in the fire department even in their later years, she will be remembered as the financial officer that signed the BIG check for the first ladder truck for Station 26.

Carolyn loved many things, spending time with Bart on their ranch and riding in the corvette, dancing in the kitchen (or anywhere), and singing in the choir. Her greatest love was her family. She enjoyed being a Mimi the most, with her grandchildren and loving all the little ones they gave her. There simply is no other woman with such love in her heart with the sweetest soul.

She is survived by her two children Angie Sawyer (Scott), Kelly Richards, four beloved grandchildren, Melissa Sanders (Greg), Kaitlyn Tillman, Courtney Duncan (Tyler), Cameron Duncan (Chelsea), six great grandchildren, Savannah, Aiden, Marley, Noah, Charlee, Caroline, and baby girl Duncan (Cameron) and baby boy Cochran (Courtney), as well as her brother in-law Chuck Richards, and sister’s in-law Pam Richards and Sara Cooper.

Our family would like to thank the incredible staff at Chandlers Assisted Living and Memory Care and Agape Hospice for their continued compassion and loving care they gave Carolyn. In these hard times when it was difficult to be with her, they made an incredible difference in loving her, keeping her safe, and her ability to pass in peace.

A memorial service with be held at Union United Methodist Church in Waxhaw, 6315 New Town Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173 on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.

Carolyn was a dedicated member of the church for decades and enjoyed singing in the choir. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials in her name to Union United Methodist Church, 6315 New Town Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Richards family.