Sybil Elizabeth Richardson Hedden was born to Harris and Jewel Richardson Sept. 20, 1930, in Cherokee, Alabama. She was the oldest of six children, three surviving still, Peggy (Laverne) Jones, Jackie (Bunny) Richardson, and Johnny (Nell) Richardson. Brothers Bobby Richardson and Billy Richardson preceded her in death. Harris’s fatherly care is still active today, including a burial policy which benefits Sybil at the present. Jewell’s kindness lives on in the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Her marriage of 66 years to Carlyle Hedden was a tribute to God’s plan for marriage. She backed Carlyle’s career as an airline pilot during the “golden years” of the industry. Carlyle passed away in September of 2015. They raised four children together, Eric (Sherry) Hedden, Carla (George) Hutto, Julia (Jeff) Denton, and Albert Hedden.
Besides her four children, she leaves behind eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Her family would be her first claim to accomplishment. All four children have college degrees and have their own claims to achievement. Jacob, her oldest great-grandson, was baptized at age 13 in the morning before she passed away just last Sunday. She would have “brightened up” at the news. As her children marched through school they were dressed in classically good-looking clothes, many of which she herself had sown being a great seamstress. Her skills as a cook and hostess were equally memorable, and her children had the privilege of growing up in a home that was filled with visitors whether they came for a short visit or stayed for weeks. Sybil’s generosity ensured that the door to the Hedden home was truly open to all.
Her business talent drew her into the health food business in the late 1970s when she developed her own company, Natural Goodness, at one time including three stores. There is no way to calculate how many lives she has touched and how much health she has improved by her early-rise and relentless work ethic. Her son Albert and grandson Seth Hedden carry on the enterprise in Fayetteville.
In 1980, an aneurysm in her brain threatened her life, but by God’s gift of modern medicine and His grace she was spared for another 37 years. This episode was an aftermath of an auto accident which could have taken the lives of her and the children in the early 1960s, another challenge which showed her fighting spirit, a spirit which continues on in the lives of the children.
She was a charter member of the Greenbriar Church of Christ. Most recently she was a member of the Middle Fayette Church of Christ. Her children will remember fondly how often she exhorted them with one of her favorite verses, Psalm 118:24. Her steadfast belief in this verse was well demonstrated by her continual expressions of gratitude for the abundant gifts of God.
Other noteworthy contributions include her tireless work with Greater Atlanta Christian School Ladies Auxiliary in its early days and kindnesses always shown to friends and extended family.
The children have been attentive and caring in her recent months of illness, especially after the loss of Carlyle, her life-long companion.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 13, 2017, at 10 a.m. at Knights of Pythias Cemetery, Russellville, Alabama.
Pinkard Funeral Home, Russellville, will be assisting the family.
