Shirley Ann Hylton Richards

 

Shirley Ann Hylton Richards, 85 of Floyd, passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Robert Lane Richards; parents, John B. & Lissie Hylton; brothers, Frederick Hylton, Curtis Hylton, Ralph Hylton, G.W. Hylton; and sister, Elizabeth Bolt. 

Shirley enjoyed basketball, square dancing, gospel and bluegrass music, and her family. She especially loved her grandchildren and attending their sporting and musical events. She worked at State Farm Insurance Company as a secretary for many years. Shirley was a lifelong member of the Laurel Branch Church of the Brethren and served as the song leader for 40 years. 

Shirley was married to the love of her life, Robert Lane Richards. Together they served the Laurel Branch Church of the Brethren as Deacon and Deaconess for many years. 

She is survived by her daughter & son-in-law, Karen & Dennis Whitlock; son & daughter-in-law, Allen & Sonja Richards; grandchildren, Ezra Richards (Gabby), Moriah Wilson (Gray), Hannah Richards, Sarah Richards, Lucas Richards (Abigail), Isaiah Richards, Micah Richards, Judah Richards, Eric Whitlock (Ashley Taylor), Gabriel Whitlock (Lianna Koberoski); favorite niece, Carolyn Hylton; and numerous nieces & nephews. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin, Pastor Angela Carr, and Pastor Jessica Slusher officiating. Interment will follow in Laurel Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends from Noon until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Floyd County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 257, Floyd, VA 24091 or to Laurel Branch Cemetery, c/o Mark Sowers, 1053 Wills Ridge Rd, Floyd, VA 24091.