GENE SHIRLEY RICHEY's Obituary
GENE SHIRLEY RICHEY, 94, of Berryville, Virginia passed away on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Heritage Hall in Leesburg, Virginia. Private services will be held by her family.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Clark L. and Eunice Arnold Shirley. Gene was predeceased by her husband, the Reverend Richard E. Richey, in December of 2021.
Surviving are daughters Carol Byrnes (and Ray) of Leesburg, VA, and J. Kimberly Winn (and Sheila) of Minneapolis, son Stephen Anderson of Knoxville, Iowa, grandchildren Thomas Byrnes, Benjamin Byrnes (and Beth) and Suzanne Ward (and Harry) and great-grandson Jack Stensland.
Gene’s long and eventful life was highlighted by her musical talent on the violin that featured playing with the Hank Williams Band in Montgomery and with Billy Graham on his early evangelical tours in the South and, in her final years, playing in Virginia nursing homes, offering “Music and Message” with her husband, Richard.
She enjoyed many years as manager of the regionally famous Armar Ballroom near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she met many famous touring musicians and campaigning politicians, including the likes of Guy Lombardo and Ted Kennedy. She later worked in Beverly Hills, California and Palm Beach, Florida as a management assistant at the world-renowned Wally Findlay Art Galleries.
In her 80s, with editorial assistance from Richard, she wrote and published a memoir of her life’s many chapters and at age 90 she participated in the Ms. Virginia Senior America Pageant, playing her violin and tap dancing. Gene was loved and treasured by her many friends and family.
Online condolences to the family may be made at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
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