ROCKY MOUNT – On November 6, 2019, Carol Richards passed peacefully through the gates of heaven. The daughter of Dr. Charles and Mrs. Ruth Fleming, Carol was born on November 17, 1936, in Kewanee, Illinois. When they were both in junior high school, Gerald Richards rode his bicycle past Carol’s home so many times trying to capture her attention that he joked about getting sunburned from the street lights. Carol and Gerry became sweethearts at that young age and remained deeply in love and devoted to each throughout their marriage of 61 years. Carol earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. Although Carol never worked outside the home, she was a tireless volunteer throughout her lifetime. Her community service commitments are too numerous to list in their entirety but include P.E.O. Sisterhood, Meals on Wheels, the Nash County Mental Health Association, and Girl Scouts of America. Carol was an extraordinary cook, a crackerjack bridge player, and an enthusiastic hostess. She cheerfully supported her husband and family throughout her lifetime and developed sincere, permanent friendships wherever Gerry’s employment took them. In 1978, Carol and Gerry moved to Rocky Mount where Gerry worked in the executive offices of Hardee’s. Carol loved her many, many friends in this tight-knit community and appreciated their constant kindness particularly during illness. Carol was a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Rocky Mount and St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida. She lived her faith fully and loved the Lord with her whole heart.

Carol is survived by Gerry and their children, Julie Johnston (James) of Wilmington, Susan Rosenthal (Michael) of Raleigh, Eric Richards (Nancy) of Roanoke, Virginia, and Gretchen Treman of Wilmington. In addition, Carol was adored by eight grandchildren, Kip, Bennett, Caroline, Emma, Dylan, Hannah, Logan, Anna, and a great grandson, Shepherd, and deeply loved by her cherished sister Patricia Peterson (Ed) and brother Chuck Fleming (Gayle) and many nieces and nephews. Family meant everything to Carol, and Carol meant everything to her family.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 331 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Father Tim Meares officiating. Burial will follow the Mass at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors on Monday, November 11, 2019 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.