Saunders Perkins Richey passed peacefully at home with her husband by her side on April 15, 2021. She was born September 27, 1948 in Lafayette, Georgia to the late Tom and Elizabeth Perkins. Saunders grew up in Waverly Hall, Georgia, with her three brothers. She graduated from Brenau Academy and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia.
Saunders taught at Pugh Street and Claflin schools in Columbus before getting married and raising four children. Saunders worked at Dixie Wholesale Drug Company and also with her husband in their business, Plaza Pharmacy.
Saunders was a faithful member of Wynnton United Methodist Church for 48 years. She will be remembered for all the craft activities at Vacation Bible School and Children’s Camp. She was active in Sunday School and Bible study groups. Saunders was a long time volunteer for the Sara Spano PTA Clothing Bank serving for several years as the director.
Saunders was thoughtful, compassionate, gracious, funny, hard-working, and imaginative. She had great ideas and the vision and skills to turn those those ideas into reality. She knew how to make everything special.
She loved flowers (especially daisies), the beach, bargain shopping, New York City, arts and crafts, Dolly Parton, Gene Pitney, great TV shows like General Hospital and NYPD Blue, photography, Mary Engelbreit, and pink flamingos. She liked to read laying on the floor. She loved people especially her family, her friends, and all children.
Saunders was preceded in death by a brother Vance Perkins. She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, John William Richey; daughter Erin Byrd (Stephen) of Ellijay, GA, sons Clay Richey (Robin) of Columbus, GA, Scott Richey of New York, NY and Tyler Richey of Columbus, GA; grandchildren Timothy, Isabella, Christopher, Emily, Josh, Nathan, Dylan, Dustin, Anna, Bryce, Austin, and Sophie; great grandchildren Mia, Grayson, and Ryker; brothers Alex Perkins (Tricia), Bynum Perkins (Tammy), sister-in-law Kathy Perkins; nieces Mallory Harris (David), Lauren Bryan (Cosh), Ruth Lee (Scott) and Laura Perkins plus numerous great nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Monday, April 19th from 5-7 pm at Striffler-Hamby. A family-only memorial service celebrating the life of Saunders Richey will be held on Tuesday, April 20th at 2 PM in the Wynnton UMC sanctuary. The service will be streamed live on the church Facebook page and at wynntonumc.org.
Flowers are accepted as well as donations to Wynnton UMC Methodist Church Children’s Fund. Many thanks to Kindred Hospice for the care they provided to Saunders during her illness.
