Wanda Richards' Obituary
Wanda Richards, loving partner and mother of two, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday October 4th, 2022, at the age of 68. Wanda was born to Harold and Karen Richards in Windsor, Ontario and moved to Greenville MS as a young child with her family where she graduated from high school. Wanda attended Delta State and earned a BS in Business from Cal State LA and an MBA from Memphis State.
Her wit, ability to build strong personal relationships, and unrelenting charm led to a shining career in public service, which capstoned with her appointment as Director of Finance and Administration (CFO equivalent) for the Shelby County government. While CFO, her team received the nationally recognized (GFOA) distinguished budget award every year. When she retired, Mayor Lee Harris appointed Wanda to four County committees, including the retirement, pension, investment, and Regional One Health committees. Colleagues and employees knew her as an inspiring communicator and manager who could effectively navigate local politics. She was a noted mentor to many, a strong believer in the value of public service, and a proud advocate of Memphis and Shelby County.
Wanda was the spark that made the many family gatherings so special through her creative hostessing, her generous spirit, and her fun-loving nature. She had a great love of sweet treats and a penchant for foofy drinks. Wanda loved her little dog, Bitsy, and was a voracious reader. She had a great love of gardening, bird watching, and keeping tabs on her sons’ lives. She was the family confidante, a best friend to four nieces and nephews, and the beloved “Grandma Aunt Wanda” to her great-niece and nephew.
Wanda is survived by her loving family: husband of 36 years, Strother Asquith of Collierville, her two sons, Justin Richards Asquith and Hayden Richards Asquith both of Nashville TN, her sister Elayne Carrier and brother Carl Richards both of Memphis and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
To honor Wanda’s memory, there will be a celebration of life on Saturday 11/19 at Memorial Park. Contributions in honor of Wanda Richards’ life can be sent to the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County, memphishumane.org, 901-937-3900.
To view her services online, please click on the link below:
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/81061/hash:7AF59695FA037724
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