Nancy Richards Hutcheson

Born in Blount County on September 19, 1944, Nancy was the beloved daughter of Anna and James Virgil Richards. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 36 years, Earnest Nelson Hutcheson; her parents; and her cherished son, Walter Joe “Joey” Cochran, III; brother, James"Buddy" Virgil Richards, Jr.; and sister, Wanda Faye True.

Nancy’s legacy lives on through her loving family: her son, Jeffery James Cochran (Jamie); daughter, Kimberly Curl (Kevin); step-daughter, Natalie Harris (John); and step-son, Eric Hutcheson (Michelle). She was a proud grandmother to Jordan Renee Hutcheson, Anna Williams Cochran, Lillian Hollis Cochran, Mimi Calhoun Cochran, Ainsley Harvey (Will), Dyllan Keith Garner, Dustin Joe Garner, and Kolbe Verdun. Her joy multiplied with the arrival of her great-grandchildren: Michael Keith Garner, Samuel Harvey, and Lydia Harvey; and brother, Fred Richards (Leslie).

A woman of deep faith, Nancy was a longtime member of 7th Street Baptist Church, where she joyfully taught Vacation Bible School and shared her love of Christ with others. Her warmth, humor, and generosity touched everyone she met; she was known for her outgoing spirit and her willingness to give the shirt off her back to someone in need.

Nancy retired from Dillard Paper Company and later helped her father and brothers launch their construction business. But her greatest joy came with the birth of her first grandchild, prompting her to retire once more and dedicate her time to her growing family.

Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance at Johns Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel Funeral Home on Friday, September 5, 2025. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by funeral services at 1:00 PM.

Nancy will be deeply missed, but her love and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.