GREENWOOD, IN.
Joyce A. (Shearl) Richards, 90 of Greenwood, IN passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Demaree Crossing in Greenwood, IN.
She was born January 8, 1934, in Burkesville, Kentucky to Keen Bradley Shearl and Nettie Bell (Riddle) Shearl Abney. Joyce married Lilburn “Bud” Richards Jr. on August 11, 1950, in Indianapolis, IN; he preceded her in death on July 13, 2011.
She was a graduate of Emmerich Manuel High School in Indianapolis, IN. Joyce had been a secretary at National Starch and Chemical Company in Indianapolis.
She was a longtime member of the Church at Smith Valley where she had served as the church Sunday school secretary and an active in the women’s missionary society.
Joyce was a member of the Greenwood Order of The Eastern Star Chapter 390 and was active in the International Order of Rainbows for Girls.
Survivors include her children Michael T. Richards (Colleen) of Bluffton, IN, Cheryl S. Bright (Dennis) of Greenwood, IN, Cynthia M. Ayer (Brett) of Centreville, Virginia and Cristi K. Cherry (Chris) of New Palestine, IN, ten grandchildren Seth Richards (Jamie) of Ft. Wayne, IN, Reverend Dr. Luke Richards (Reverend Carey) of Hanover, IN, Dr. Drew Bright M.D. (Katie) of Greenwood, IN, Morgan Benigni (Michael) of Fishers, IN, Madalynn Schrader (Jake) of Greenwood, IN, Jessica Ayer of Washington, DC, Andrew Ayer (Farrah) of Detroit, MI, Caitlyn Shepherd (Adam), Cassidy Cherry and Claire Gray (Peyton) all of New Palestine, IN, twelve great grandchildren Mary Emma Bright, Samuel Bright, Charlie Bright, Maddox Benigni, Maxwell Benigni, Maddyn Benigni, Mabry Benigni, Junia Richards, Matthias Richards, Ethan Richards, Wrenly Shepherd and Evelyn Shepherd, a sister Nelda Warfield (Gary) of Indianapolis, IN.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, infant twin brothers Edward and Earnest Shearl, sisters Hazel Marie Haney and Doris Harp.
Reverend Dr. Luke and Reverend Carey Richards will conduct a service on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 1:30 PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/joycerichards.
Friends may call Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 10AM until service time at the mortuary. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Church at Smith Valley 4682 West Smith Valley Road Greenwood, IN 46142 or Luminary Hospice 11708 North College Avenue Suite 175 Carmel, IN 46032.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
