Joan Richards, a radiant example of faith and unwavering family devotion, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, at the age of 84.

Born on February 7, 1941, in New York and raised in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Joan embraced a life filled with deep love, selfless service, and enduring hope. Joan's first marriage blessed her with four children: Sonny, Keith, Sherry, and Richard. After a short period of being a single mother, in 1972 she married Earl Richards Sr., and together they welcomed two more sons, Earl and Jon. Her son Keith and his wife Lisa graced her with four grandchildren: Kyle, Courtnee, Calun, and Sierra.
Her daughter Sherry brought three more grandchildren into her life: Serissa, Quintin, and Seth. Joan also had five great-grandchildren. Her granddaughter Courtnee and husband Jason brought her four wonderful great-grandchildren: Mason, Morrigan, Raine and Vincent, while her granddaughter Serissa and husband Hunter gifted her with Emberlee. Her family was the heart of her world, and she treasured every precious moment shared with them.

Baptized in 1973, Joan devoted much of her life to the full-time ministry, sharing the uplifting message of God's Kingdom with passion and warmth alongside her treasured friends in the congregation. With her gentle, Christlike nature, she extended love to all, yet she held a special tenderness for the "Lowly and downtrodden", making sure they knew they were deeply valued within the congregation and her circle of dear friends. A devoted student of the Bible, she discovered profound peace and purpose in her faith, which guided her through life's joys and trials.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Earl, and her eldest son, Sonny. She is survived by her children Keith and his wife Lisa, Sherry and her Husband Ford, Richard, Earl and Jon: all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as extended family Brad McKinnon and Kevin McKinnon: and a cherished community of friends who will fondly remember her feisty yet gentle spirit. Joan cherished a profound hope for the coming paradise, where she envisioned reuniting with her entire family in a perfect world. Her enduring legacy of kindness, faith, and loyalty will continue to uplift and inspire everyone fortunate enough to have known her.