Renay Melitta Fariss-Richardson passed away on November 4, 2018 at Johnston-Willis Hospital in Richmond Virginia after a four-month battle with cancer, eight days shy of her 59th birthday. Renay is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Frank R. “Chip” Richardson; her father, Robert Linwood Fariss; her sister, Susan Marie (Michael) Whiteside; brothers Thomas Linwood (Margaret) Fariss and Robert Andrew (Erin) Fariss; and nine nieces and nephews (Tyler Richardson, Andrew Richardson, Samantha Richardson, Taylor Whiteside, Grace Whiteside, Mitchell Fariss, Lauren Fariss, Jacob Fariss and Emma Fariss). She was preceded in death by her mother, Renate “Nan” Melitta Fischer Fariss.
Born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, Renay graduated in 1978 from Cave Spring High School. She later attended the University of Radford, where she was a member of the Phi Gamma Mu honor society, graduating in 1985. Renay was admitted to the Virginia State Bar shortly after her graduation from T.C. Williams Law School in 1988. She was further admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and the United States District Court in 1989. Renay worked for a short time with the law firm of White, Blackburn & Conte, P.C. in Richmond, before opening her own law practice based in Chesterfield County in 1990, Renay M. Fariss, Attorney at Law. The primary focus of her practice was Domestic Relations. She was a staunch advocate of children’s rights and their welfare and she represented clients throughout many jurisdictions across eastern Virginia. She was also a highly sought-after divorce attorney in the Richmond area. Renay scaled her practice back in 2016, working part-time; primarily taking care of her longtime clients, tending to her dogs and trying to relax a little bit more.
Renay’s love of dogs led her to become a breeder of purebred Chow Chows, from which she championed twelve of her dogs. She was a sincere advocate of all animal rights and often brought strays home until she could find forever homes for them. Renay enjoyed couples golf and women’s tennis at Brandermill Country Club and ocean cruising.
The family wishes to extend their deep appreciation to both the Atrium ICU staff and the Women’s Pavilion staff at Johnston-Willis Hospital for the compassionate care and support Renay received.
A gathering of friends and family is scheduled for Monday, November 12th at Woody Funeral Home at 1020 Huguenot Road in Midlothian, Virginia from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. A memorial service will be held in Roanoke, Virginia, on Wednesday, November 21st, at Christ Lutheran Church, 2011 Brandon Avenue SW, at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions maybe made to the Safe Harbor Shelter in Richmond, Virginia or the Richmond Animal League. Online condolences may be made at www.woodyfuneralhome.com
