Jewell Imogene “Jean” Richard, age 99, passed away peacefully at her home in Selmer, Tennessee, on September 30, 2026, surrounded by the care and love of her daughters. She lived a rich and full life spanning 99 years, 1 month, and 3 days.
Born in Michie, Tennessee, Jean was a woman of warmth, spirit, and dedication. She devoted 30 years of hard work to the Brown Shoe Company, where she built strong friendships and a lasting legacy of dependability.
In 1991, Jean married her beloved husband, Bill Richard, in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a demolition contractor, Bill’s work took them on adventures across the country, including stops in Nevada, Florida, New York, and California. Jean cherished their time spent traveling together and visiting family and friends along the way.
Throughout her life, Jean embraced simple joys and fond pastimes. Growing up in Tennessee, she loved playing basketball, a passion that stayed with her alongside her handiwork in cross-stitch, energetic games of bingo, and competitive rounds of Rook. Later in life, she delighted in helping her daughter Barbara at Justin’s Tomato Company in Pinson, Tennessee, enjoying the hands-on fun and family connection.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Richard; and her siblings, Dorothy Fatseas, Louise Enoch, John Curtis, and Bobby Curtis.
Her memory and light live on through her family. She is survived by her two loving daughters, Tommie Clifton Kozak and husband Zak of Austin, Texas, and Barbara Clifton Hill (Kenny Nichols) of Pinson, Tennessee, both of whom were her constant source of comfort and support. She will also be deeply missed by extended family members, neighbors, and many lifelong friends.
