Mary L. “Granny” Richards, 86, of Lanett, passed away on July 1 at her residence. 

Richards was born on January 7, 1933, in Sand Mountain to the late John Bishop and Lula Jackson Bishop. She was also preceded in death by her children, Marshall Gilley and Jonny Mac Gilley; siblings, Eslin Bishop, Opal White, Dorothy Bates, Ruth Jernigan, Helen Jernigan, Gladys Garmany and Doris Beard. 

Richards, affectionately known by “Granny” to all, was a very family-oriented lady. She enjoyed working in the yard, enjoyed her flowers and working puzzle books. 

She is survived by her children, Kathleen (John) Hall, Kennith (Debbie) Gilley, David Gilley, James Gilley; daughter-in-laws, Brenda Gilley and Mary Ann Gilley; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held on July 5 at 11 a.m. EDT at the Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley with interment following in Resthaven Cemetery. The Rev. Rusty Letson officiating. Her family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Friday morning from 10 a.m. EDT until the service hour. 

Please visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a condolence for her family, share a memory of Granny, or to light a Remembrance Candle in her memory. 

Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley is directing.