Deaconess Pearl Virginia Hill Richards, who transitioned from this life to rest eternally in his heavenly home on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at her residence. Pearl was born to the late Deacon Israel and Naomi Hardy Hill on August 13, 1927 in Skippers, Virginia. She was the 10th of 13 children.

Pearl was educated in the public school system of Greenville County and worked on the family farmed.

Pearl accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Antioch Baptist Church, Skippers, Virginia. She sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. In 1950, Pearl moved from Skippers, Virginia to Bowling Green, Virginia. She then united with Bethel Baptist Church, Bowling Green, Virginia under the leadership of the late Rev. George Saunders. Pearl tried to enrich and develop the spiritual lives of children by teaching Sunday School, manager of the junior ushers, secretary of the senior ushers board for over 20 years, hospitality member and an avid bible study attendee. In January 1991, she joined the band of Christians at the Mount Oni Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. E. Walter Anderson. Still sharing her God given gift of loving children, Pearl worked with the youth, member of the missionary ministry hospitality, and the Deaconess ministry. On April 2017, she was honored as Deaconess Emeritus. Pearl attended bible study and Sunday school until her health began to fail. She was a pioneer of the Society of Women, now known as Sisters United In Christ, and member of the Mt. Oni Trailblazers.

On July 7, 1957, Pearl united in Holy Matrimony to the late Granville Lee Richards. To this union, they were blessed with a daughter, Deborah V. and a son Granville R. Richards.

Pearl was employed as a domestic worker. After which, she became "the baby sitter" at home and at church. She was overjoyed at the birth of her neighbor's triplets, Wanda Rock Smith, Wendy Rock and Walter Rock, III and treated them as if they were her own.

Pearl was full of Joy, laughter, and jokes for everyone, from the pulpit to the door. Pearl was known for all the delicious dishes she prepared, especially her corn pudding and that "Pound Cake" that no one could get the recipe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters; Queen James, Maude Miles, Viola Manning, Margaret Stewart, Lorraine Pinckney; brothers Marvin, James, Howard, Thomas, and Israel, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a loving daughter, Deborah Virginia, a devoted son, Granville Roland; two sisters, Mabel Hill Harris and E. Vernell Wright; two sisters-in-law, Viola Wilkerson and Carrie Cary; brother-in-law, Clyde Jackson and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and a zillion friends, among them, Mary "NaNa" Deyo and Ruby and Curtis Derricott.

A viewing will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 2, 2017 at Mt. Oni Baptist Church 14135 Dry Bridge Road, Ruther Glen, Virginia with family receiving from 7 to 8 p.m.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the Caroline Community Services Center, 17202 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Mt. Lawn Cemetery, Woodford, Virginia