Linda Church Richards

Linda Church Richards of Vanderpool, North Carolina went to be with the lord. She was born on November 16, 1954, in Sumter, South Carolina, to the late Charlie Lee Church and Shirley McLean Church.

She attended Watauga High School and earned a diploma from Caldwell Community College. Linda worked at Shadowline and Appalachian State University (ASU), including in the cafeteria and housekeeping, and later in payroll.

A lifelong member of Vanderpool Baptist Church, Linda enjoyed camping, travel, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and spending time with her family, friends, and church family. She cherished her special family, friends, church family, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Ricky Church; and her parents-in-law, Russell and Bunnie Richards.

Linda is survived by her loving husband, Junior Boyd Richards; her children: Jason and Deanna Richards of Vilas, NC; Jennifer and Terry Hayes of Cerro Gordo, NC; and Jonathan Richards of Vilas, NC; her sister, Brenda Howard (Gary) and sister in law, Cynthia Church; her grandchildren: Kaity Richards; Lydia and Calep Miller; Ethan Richards (Rylee Smith); and Hunter Hayes (Rainey Causey); and her great-granddaughter, Josie Ann Miller; as well as other loving family and friends.

Funeral Services will be conducted Monday, August 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Vanderpool Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Monday in the church. Burial to follow at Vanderpool Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Vanderpool Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is assisting the Richards family.

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