Elaine Richards

Services for Elaine Richards will be conducted at 10:00 A.M., Friday, November 15, 2024 in the Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Chapel with Mr. Scott McClellen as officiating nephew and minister. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Serving as pallbearers are Wade Basham, Clint Williams, Kirby Basham, Clint McClellen, Matt McClellen, and Alex Williamson.

Elaine Basham Richards went to be with her Lord and Savior and ultimate healer on November 11, 2024. 

Obituaries were always a thing of interest to Elaine, so here’s to hoping she approves of hers!

First, who she was:

Carolyn Elaine Basham Richards was born in Cleburne Memorial Hospital on October 1, 1949. She was welcomed home by three sisters and a brother and surrounded by a huge family. In fact, she was given her name by her siblings and, being the baby of the family, all the siblings took care of her and even picked on her as siblings do. She lived her young life in Grandview, Texas attending Grandview ISD schools until she graduated. She was a proud and active Grandview Zebra, participating in basketball, cheerleading, and many other clubs and leadership activities. 

Following graduation, Elaine attended Hill Jr. College earning an associate’s degree. She immediately put her education to use, moving to Arlington, Texas to be an administrative assistant and further improved her skills by attending UTA for night classes. Elaine moved to Houston to be near her sister, Wynona, and took a job working for the CEO of First City Bank, doing administrative work and event planning. While in Houston, Elaine volunteered for the Houston Ballet, she led the annual PBS fund raiser, helped with the United Fund, and served in other organizations. First City Bank was starting a branch in Fort Worth, so Elaine transferred there, eventually becoming an officer of the bank. 

Elaine met her husband, Mike Richards, on a blind date that mutual friends had arranged. As the story goes, they actually met two days before the blind date through a random work situation, but they agreed to continue on with their plans. The two married on March 21, 1986 and lived briefly in Weatherford. While in Weatherford, Elaine worked at Texas Bank and the couple welcomed their son, Taylor. Their family returned to Fort Worth to be closer to family and a former colleague connected her to JDW, Inc., a family investment company, where she began doing accounting for the business and the family. Elaine continued to improve her skills by attending the Colorado School of Business and earned her Certificate of Banking. Elaine was active in many organizations in Fort Worth and through her church, positively contributing to all she touched with her excellent administrative and event-planning skills. She worked for JDW, Inc. until 2002, when she wanted to be more available to her son and for his school activities. 

Elaine was an active member of Travis Avenue Baptist Church for many years, and most recently attended Christ Chapel Bible Church. She loved participating in the women’s bible studies and events and made many long-lasting friendships through her church. 

Secondly, what she taught us:

Elaine was a creative. Not a painter or sculptor, but a creative planner and coordinator. With her sisters, she shared the role of being the “fun catalyst and custodian” for the extended Basham family. Photos, games, dressing up, gifts, sharing, laughing, eating, and more games… all of these components were part of a family event that Elaine helped plan. She passes on her deep heart beliefs of family first, staying connected and that every get-together is an opportunity to laugh and make lasting memories. 

Elaine taught us that taking photos at everything is a way to remember and enjoy those you love. Her home was covered in framed photos and if you were a friend or part of her family, chances are you hung on her walls or sat on her tables. 

Elaine loved everyone well. She was intentional, sending birthday cards and various notes, and always thought of ways to bless those around her. She kept family and friends close to her heart and believed through her actions that time together produces memories forever. This is a take-away for all who knew her. 

Elaine was a daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend, but all who knew her knew her favorite role was that of Gribbie to her grandchildren. Always working to create fun for these four, she loved them, cheered them on in their schooling and activities, and clung to this life to have more time with them. Watching Elaine as grandmother, all could see these children were what she cherished most. 

Lastly:

Elaine was diagnosed with a lung disease in 1998. She walked with it for many years, until it finally had the last say. Many thanks go to Dr. Allen Kelly, his staff and all the medical personnel that took care of her through this hard journey. 

Elaine entered eternity on the morning of Monday, November 11, 2024 at the age of 75. Our hearts grieve but not without hope. Elaine is breathing with ease again, walking with Jesus. May we all take the best parts of her and weave a beautiful tapestry of memories and love and with “Elaine-style” intention, bless the hearts of our own loved ones.

Survivors include her husband of 38 years, Mike Robert Richards; son, Taylor Richards and wife Meredith; sisters, Wynona McCullough, Marilu McClellen and husband Bobby, and Marie Gatlin and husband Earl; sister-in-law, Elaine Basham; grandchildren, Elijah Richards, Asher Richards, Shiloh Richards, and Ruby Kate Richards; along with several nieces, nephews and other relatives. 

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, William Beauford and Francis Evelyn (Cooper) Basham; brother, Willie Basham; and nephew, Cyle Williams.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Christ Chapel Bible Church, 3740 Birchman Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107 https://ccbcfamily.org