Barbara Gale Richards

Barbara “Gale” Richards, age 76, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Born and raised in Greenville, Gale was the beloved daughter of the late Laura Adelaide Smith Richards and Theodore Augustus Richards III.

Gale was a devoted mother to two daughters, Laura Elmore Floyd and Amanda Elmore Godfrey. She was a proud and loving grandmother to nine grandchildren: Chandler, Autumn, Jack, Hayden, Finn, Noah, Harris, Samuel, and Adelaide.

She is survived by her sister, Debra Richards-Bellis, and her brother, Theodore Augustus Richards IV (Wendy). Gale was a cherished aunt to 11 nieces and nephews and held a special place in the lives of 23 great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Susan Richards Huskey.

A graduate of Bob Jones University, Gale dedicated her life to education. She began her career teaching in the Montessori method, which she deeply valued for its emphasis on independence, creativity, and respect for each child’s unique development. After having children of her own, she continued to share her passion through teaching art and later transitioned into early childhood education, where she spent her later years nurturing preschool-aged children.

Gale spent countless years alongside her mother fostering a love for God and others, values she passed down through her family and community.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Laura Lyle and Gale’s friends at Fountain Inn First Baptist Church, who faithfully surrounded her with love, prayers, and encouragement. Deep appreciation is also extended to the MSA Hospice staff, especially her nurse Brenda Roberts. Special thanks as well to her nurse Tonya Aria and her entire care team for their compassionate support during her final days.

A service to celebrate Gale’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, located at 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 PM, with the service to follow at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made on behalf of Gale to The Salvation Army of Greenville, 501 Rutherford St, Greenville, South Carolina 29609 or online to www.salvationarmygreenville.org