Mildred “Millie” Starbird Richards, 89, of Taylorsville, N.C., passed peacefully after a short illness on Friday, April 4, 2025, at her home with her husband by her side.

Mildred was born July 20, 1935, in South Paris, Maine. She was the second of six children and the oldest daughter of Frank A. Starbird and Myrtis M. Wood Starbird.

Mildred attended the Baptist church with her family and was born again at the age of 10. She was baptized at the age of 12. She graduated from Paris High School in 1954, and she continued her education at New Brunswick Bible Institute, NB Canda. She graduated in May of 1959 with a diploma in teaching. She loved teaching children about Jesus, and worked several types of jobs to pay her way through Bible school.

In September of 1959, she married Emery, and together they raised three children, Scott, Pam, and Lora. She had several hobbies, including gardening, crocheting, knitting, and reading. She loved flowers and picking berries and made great pies. She also loved going to thrift stores, garage sales, and travelled extensively.

She and her husband lived in several states, including Alaska and Washington, with their children and then moved to Pennsylvania and finally settled in North Carolina with her husband.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond (Pat) Starbird and Gilbert Starbird; and a sister, Louise Hunter.

Those left to cherish and honor Millie’s memories include her husband of 64 years, Emery Richards of the home; her children, Scott Richards, Pamela Metzger (Michael), and Lora Lockett (Robert Sr.); her grandchildren, Troi Richards (Shawna), Nicole Richards, and Natalie Metzger; great-granddaughter, Jaidyn Gunther; two sisters, Marjorie Knightly (Ronello) and Eleanor Jones (Earl); and many nieces and nephews.

Millie’s last words were “Lord take me home, now.” She has been made whole and is at peace with God.

The funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Adams Funeral Home Chapel. Speakers Philip Moore and Wesley Church will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Whitemarsh Memorial Park in Ambler, Pa.

Condolences may be sent to www.adamsfunerals.com.

Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Mildred Richards.