Thelma Richards

Her journey began in Gainesville, Ga. on October 26, 1922 when she was born to the late Edward Rutledge Ravenel II and Thelma (Terrell) Ravenel. When a favorite aunt called the baby girl "Boots", the nickname stuck thereafter for 89 years. Her journey ended in Decatur, Ga. on March 11, 2012. Boots Ravenel moved with her family to Decatur, Ga. where she graduated from Decatur Girls High, and then she attended St. Mary's College. She married her sweetheart Mark Leander Richards in 1943 and when he returned from his service in WWII, they led a busy life raising four children. As a member of the First Baptist Church of Decatur, she was a member of the Joy Sunday School Class. She participated in many of the church activities, including arranging the beautiful sanctuary flowers every Sunday for may years and also planning and leading wonderful trips for the Young at Heart group. Her home (always referred to as "205" was very important to her, and she enjoyed making it a welcoming and comfortable place. Her favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends. She was never happier than when she was with her family. Noted lifelong for her style and beauty, Boots was a lovely lade with many talents and interests which she shared generously with her family and friends. Boots is remembered as a devoted wife and loving mother, beloved grandmother and great grandmother. She is also recalled as a caring and generous lady who graced our lives in so many special ways. Her parents, her husband of 47 years, and her beloved brother Edward Rutledge Ravenel III, a Citadel graduated, predeceased her. Among survivors are her four children – Ravenel Kaye from Morganton, GA, Laura Lea and husband Neale Elliott from Conyers, Ned Richards and wife Marsha from Norcross, Ga., and Ellen Richards from Decatur. Her adored grandchildren are Che Kaye and wife Courtney from Danielsville, Ga., Nina and Katie Elliott, Rachel and Johnny Richards, and Dane Richards and wife Debbie and their three children – the great grandchildren - Josiah, Ember and Sage of Watkinsville, GA. The family would like to thank her many friends for their friendship and affection over the years. A very special thank you and blessing is expressed to Chris Fusco and Vera Lewis for their amazing care during her latter years.
The funeral service will follow at 2 PM at the Turner Chapel. Private interment will follow at Decatur Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts may be made to The United Methodist Children's Home, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030 or to a charity of your choice. All friends and family are invited to visitation from 12 – 2PM at A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home & Crematory.



Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033