“Life is like a flower, I’d say, it buds, blossoms, flourishes, withers, then fades away”
Buds
Shirley Rebecca “Peach” Riche entered this life on October 1, 1940 to her parents Robert and Rebecca Westbrooks.
With her family by her side, she passed peacefully on May 17, 2024 at her home. As the only girl among five boys, her doting father gave her the nickname “Peach” after the state of Georgia where he previously lived.
And from there she carried that precious name throughout her life.
Blossoms
Peach graduated from the Philadelphia School of Office Training where she excelled in executive secretarial skills.
Those skills afforded her opportunities at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Board of Review.
In 1978 Peach and her husband John moved to his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. She soon adjusted to life in Huntsville and found employment at the Department of Industrial Relations Unemployment Office where she worked in the claims office.
Always looking to excel, and excited about living close to an HBCU, she sought employment at Alabama A&M University and worked for years in the Associate Dean’s office for student life and later became secretary to the Executive Vice-President. She loved the University and supported it in numerous ways.
Soon after moving to Huntsville, the family joined First Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend Dr. Julius R. Scruggs.
Peach immediately became involved in various ministries and was a dedicated member of the Sanctuary, Mass and Women’s Day choir.
She was a diligent Sunday school attendee as she loved and cherished the word of God.
In honor of her late husband John, Peach endowed the John R. Riche Scholarship for graduating seniors of the church.
Flourishes
Peach’s faith in God and her love for her family was unwavering. She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She was the most generous woman to all she encountered.
Married to the love of her life, John, for 42 years, that union produced two loving sons, Darryl and Steven. They were indeed her greatest joys.
Her life was enhanced greatly with the adoption of her twin granddaughters. She lovingly embraced the addition of all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Withers
Peach’s health only placed limitations on her physical being, for she was committed to her family and church. She took part in activities when and how she could.
She continued to spread her wisdom, kind words and love to everyone she touched; even in her “last days”.
Fades
She leaves to mourn her passing two sons; Darryl A. Riche (Pamela F.), Steven E. Riche (Marche’), all of Huntsville; daughter, Sharon Dragon (Ernie) of Frederick, Maryland; sister-in-law, Mollie C. Williams of Philadelphia, seven grandchildren: Quisha C. Bryant (Henry), Quiana C. Riche Clark (Tramiel), DarLisa L. Riche, Jordan Y. Riche, Taylor R. Riche, Xavier T. Riche, Dustin Dragon; two great-granddaughters: Ava R. Hargrove and Emerie R. Bryant; nieces: Kia Williams, Deja Williams, Amya Miller, Carolyn Jones, Michelle Jones, Tamika Westbrooks, Sandra Ellis Johnson, and Robin Mitchell.
Peach was pre-deceased by her husband, John R. Riche, her mother Rebecca Westbrooks, father Robert Westbrooks, and brothers: Douglas, Clyde, Robert Jr., George, Paul and grandson Daniel.
The funeral service for Mrs. Shirley Rebecca Westbrooks Riche b.k.a. “Peach” will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 24, 2024 at the Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church (315 Winchester Road, Huntsville, AL 35811) with Reverend Dr. Don Darius Butler officiating and the Reverend Earla S. Lockhart as eulogist. Entombment will be in the Valhalla Memory Gardens. Mrs. Riche will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
The Riche family will receive guests from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home and 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 24, 2024 at the Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
