Shipps Funeral Home, Inc. | Sylvester, GA

Obituary For Precious OJune "June" Richey

The late Mrs. Precious OJune "June" Richey, of 910 1/2 W. Highland Avenue, Albany, Georgia, departed this life on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at her residence.

At the request of the family, the remains have been cremated. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. from the First African Baptist Church in Sylvester, Georgia, with the Reverend Lindsey P. Napier, Sr., Presiding, and the Reverend Dr. Clifford Porter, delivering the Eulogy. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the "Shipps Funeral Home" Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream link on this site's Home Page.

Mrs. Precious O’June Jackson Richey was born March 8, 1958 in Sylvester, Georgia to the late Mrs. Willie Mae Greer and the late Mr. Robert Nether. June was raised to love God and to be a smart and self-assured girl who could hold her own in any setting. Her Aunt Precious and Uncle Henry also played a major role in raising her. From her namesake Aunt Precious, June developed a love of cooking and baking and from Uncle Henry, she loved and cared for animals.

As a young girl, June joined Brown Chapel CME Church, in Sylvester, Georgia, where she professed her faith and belief in Jesus the Christ as her Resurrected Savior. She sang in the choir and always participated in church programs. She passionately engaged and led Sunday School discussions. In fact, the seeds of her excellent oratory skills were planted and nurtured at Brown Chapel CME Church.

June worked hard throughout her school years earning good grades, numerous accolades, scholarships and awards. She moved effortlessly from the basketball team, to the cheerleading squad to Homecoming Queen by the time she graduated from Worth County High School, in 1976. June’s first year of college was at Valdosta State University. She returned to Sylvester where she dated and married her longtime friend-turned husband, Nathaniel Richey, in 1979. Their first child passed away in 1980. After the heartbreaking loss, June and Nathaniel delightfully welcomed their son, Rashad, in May 1981.

As young civil rights activists, June and Nathaniel were known for passionately speaking out against acts of racial discrimination in schools, communities and the criminal justice system. With a passion for helping people, June found employment that matched her passion for activism that honed her knowledge and skills as a leader. June worked for the prominent civil rights leader and attorney the late Chevene Bowers King, known as C. B. King, for several years. Determined to finish her undergraduate studies, June enrolled at Albany State University. Always the academic perfectionist, she settled for nothing less than what she believed she had earned and deserved. Once June received a grade of 100 on a test where the maximum points were 104, classmates weren’t surprised when June adamantly debated the facts of the questions and answers because she wasn’t leaving 4 points on the table. Needless to say, after presenting the facts, she received the 4 points not only for herself but the rest of the class who had the same answers. June graduated from Albany State University with a B.S. Degree in Business Management. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Troy University and enrolled in Albany State University in June, 2020, to work on her second Master’s Degree. June only wanted the very best–academically and professionally. June was known for perfectly coiffed hair and makeup, coupled with sharp suits and dress pumps. She wouldn’t even go to the mailbox without making sure she looked her best. “You never know who you might meet,” she would unapologetically defend her decision to always dress impeccably. Her confident stride, beautiful smile and kind spirit brightened and commanded any room. It was her intelligence and with that drew people close and a magnetic energy that kept them even closer. All her characteristics emerged in childhood and flourished throughout her life in service to others. June was small in stature, but her personality was larger than life. She never hesitated to switch out of her chic attire and slip into a t-shirt, jeans and sneakers to help serve others. She routinely sacrificed her own needs to ensure that her family, friends and even strangers could experience a better quality of life.

In 1990, as one of the original field representatives in the Constituent Services Office for Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, June was known for providing professional service to the constituents in the districts, rushing home after work to change into casual attire, then rushing back out the door to help those in need. This was particularly true after devastating floods left countless Albany families desperate for food and shelter. Despite losing her own home in the 500-year flood, June overlooked her own problems to help find solutions for constituents struggling to get back on their feet. In these crises and in many other situations, June would often set aside her own needs to help those trying to overcome life’s challenges. June was the consummate professional and always wanted people to receive the best service, when the Congressman couldn’t attend certain civic and community events. Congressman Bishop knew he could count on June to stand in his place with class and grace. June would say, “While the Congressman couldn’t be here today, like a Hallmark card, he cared enough to send the very best.” That line always garnered a hearty laugh and helped reinforce the Congressman’s and the community’s trust in June's ability to lead and serve. She always knew what to say and how to say it–whether gently or more directly.

June’s ability to quickly assemble the right people and resources to help and provide for needs of the community. June used the same skills to serve in her roles at Phoebe Putney Hospital and the regional division of the Georgia Department of Labor. She also worked as the Executive Director of the Coalition for Diversity in Albany. Through a series of her own life experiences, June discovered having a heart for God’s people was a rewarding journey. She kept that bright smile on her face through it all. Her heart for God showed in how she served and loved people.

Her beloved son, Dr. Rashad Richey, continues to carry on June’s legacy of leadership, service and commitment to transform lives for the best. June was incredibly proud of Rashad and his accomplishments as a successful university professor, broadcaster, and entrepreneur. Rashad will always remember the love, sacrifices and laughs they shared and will never forget the lessons she passed along in dignity, class and respect.

June passed away May 25, 2022 with a love for her family and friends that was only surpassed by her love for God. Her daughter Aneesha Sabreen Richey, mother Willie Mae Greer, father Robert Nether, aunt and uncle, Precious and Henry Jackson, have all preceded her in death.

June is survived by her son Rashad Richey; granddaughter Sabrina Kirk; sisters, Maria Greer (Dwight) Leonard and Elizabeth V. Greer; brother, Elijah G. Greer, Sr.; nieces, Rashunda Whitfield, Vateesha Maria Greer; nephews, Elijah G. (Cartisha) Greer, Jr, Mathew (Aeriel) Leonard, Garrick Smith and Henry Greer and a host of other adorable nieces, nephews and close cousins.

Guest Book

As I am a years late, I came across the obituary for Ms. June Richey. My eyes are filled with water. I was looking for her to give her all the good news. Under Ms. Richey's tutelage, I received a recommendation by her to manage WIA in Blakely, GA becoming the first black person to work in the Chamber of Commerce spearheaded a job-readiness program in Early County. Ms. June was so eloquent and professional. I am thankful that God allowed her bright light to reach me. Thank you Ms. June for everything.

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In Loving Memory of our cousin June. We will alway remember the fun times we had as children when we would come visit every summer; playing on our grandparents farm , riding bikes, jumping rope, playing the board games Operation and Monopoly, and eating plums off the trees in the yard. Now that you are gone there is a void in our family that cannot be filled. May your soul Rest In Peace in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Love your cousin, Faye, Fran and Ann.

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June Richey was a unique and beautiful soul who radiated light and boundless energy wherever she went. I had not seen or talked to her for a number of years, but she made such a impression on people that she was impossible to forget. She brought such joy and well-being to others. I pray that all the good she spread is now returned to her in her heavenly home. Rest In Peace, dear friend. You have earned your crown.

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My condolences to all the family and friends 🙏🏾

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May God rest your beautiful soul June Richey- you were Precious, indeed. I will always remember June as smart, witty, kind, beautiful, selfless, private, and fiercely independent. She adored her Aunt "Tee" the "school teacher" and made gravy for her dogs. Almost all the conversations included "what'd you cook?" I could never get with Veg All, but that was an ingredient for her soup (smile). I'm going to miss you not answering my calls when I called (smile). I always teased her and said I was going to stop calling because we mostly spoke when the call was incoming. June shared that during the 1994 flood when she worked for Congressman Bishop that she lost her home too and yet continued to work. She would say that experience made her grateful for the shelter of home. I admired June's grace, confidence and radical self-reliance, and I miss her already. My sincere condolences to her family. Your friend, Joy S. Jones

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My sincere condolences to the Richey family. May you find strength and peace doing the loss of your loved one. June was a beautiful soul and I'm so happy I had the opportunity to know her. Rest In Peace. Diane Ray Hudson

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Prayers for strength and love to the family.

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Prayers and peace of mind for the family. May God give you strength in this time of loss.

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My heart felt Sympathy and condolences to the family. God speed and comfort to family as well

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My Condolences to the family of June Jackson Richey 🙏🏾 Jody Rice

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Condolences and prayers for the family, Ms. June you will be missed, rest in heaven. Shirley & Family.💖🙏🏾😢

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MsJune may the peace and comfort of the Lord be with you, rest in heaven, you will be missed. Condolences to your family.🙏🏾😢

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Sincere condolences to the Richey family. May the ancestors receive her with open arms! Your James Earl Acey Lodge Family

- Reggie R Walker

Deepest Sympathy,Robert Gary

- Robert Gary

My deepest sympathy to the family. May the Peace of Almighty God comfort you. I will truly miss my friend. Fidila7QM6

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A beautiful, unique, kind, and encouraging woman has join the band of angels in heaven with a smile that lights paradise daily! Rest In Peace my friend! Sabrina Clark

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Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Ms. June Richey for she truly will be missed. Her presence radiated a uniqueness and purpose as she touched many lives in SWGA. God's best as she rests in His loving arms. The Hodges-Tiller Family

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Our condolences to the Greer-Richey family, loved ones and friends. June was a shining light in our small town of Sylvester. She will be missed. Abigail Cuffie-Rhodes Family

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We're so sorry to hear of June's passing. She was a beautiful lady inside and outside and I'll remember her always. She always had words of encouragement to others and was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her. Prayers for her family & friends.

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Condolences and prayers for the family. Jimmy, Stephanie, and Haley Marlin

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June although the sanctuary in which your spirit resided has expired, your loving and moral legacy still exist. You have been a dear friend of mine for decades, and our spirits have always and still resonated with each other's. I loved you in this life, and the same will be in the next life. Enjoy your journey to paradise sister! Mr. Ozie Parker

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June(dear), now that you have gone from this life into the presence of our God, I hope you find the peace and freedom you looked for. I hope I was the older sister you wanted and know that you are the sister I wanted. June, I miss you every day. punpkin

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Love you! Doc and Ray

- Ray Lanier

June will always hold a special place in our hearts. We will always remember her smile. Doc and Ray

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Our greatest sympathies to the family and friends of Ms. June Richey. I had the pleasure of working with her at the Georgia Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Albany, GA. She had the kindness heart of a woman I have ever known. May she rest in eternal peace. Reginald & Angellia Swain

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Sending love and sympathy to the entire family and all her friends. Precious June Richey will always remain a bright ray of sunlight and joy in our memories. The Jackson Family With Love Sandra

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Shipps Funeral Home, Inc. | GA