“Mothering is the gospel lived out as you hold your child’s heart in beauty, prayer and patience. It’s not the big decision, but the little ones, trusting God through it all.”

Faye Ann Stith Rich, 83, was born on Dec. 16, 1939, to her parents, Lou Ann Stith and Henry Lee Stith, in Nunez, GA. She transitioned to Her Father’s House on Dec. 24, 2022, rejoicing in Her Savior’s love.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, Dec. 28,  from 1-2 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home until the graveside service begins at 2:30 p.m. at Forrest Memorial Park in Batesville.

She attended Mercer University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in English.  She was a member and president of Phi Mu sorority.  She taught English for several years.  In 1964, she married Jerry J. Rich of Batesville,  and became a stay-at-home mother when their children were born.

She was a caring, supportive and loving wife and mother. She was a  member of the First United Methodist Church in Batesville where she served as Sunday School director, pianist for children’s choir, a member of United Methodist women and a leader in Explorer’s Bible Study. Faye and Jerry also served as MYF leaders and chaperones for the youth for several years. Nothing was more important to her than her family.  She nurtured her children and grandchildren and was their biggest prayer warrior.

Faye was a thoughtful and considerate person who loved to lift the spirits of others. She enjoyed sending cards for any occasion to the people in her life.  If you ever made “the list,” you could always count on the fact that you would be remembered in some way by her sending a card of encouragement and support.  She taught by example, living a prayer filled life and giving back to others. You were always welcome in her home. She was always helpful and considerate to all. She taught us all what is really important in life – to love, support, and care for the friends and family in our lives.  Her children and grandchildren looked forward to going to her house, where they knew they were always welcome and loved unconditionally. She instilled confidence in her children and grandchildren by her unconditional love.

She leaves her husband, Jerry Rich, of Batesville; two daughters, Laurie Rich (Jim) of Napa Valley, California and Jerris Roberson (Bob) of Starkville; her son, Jay (Tisha) Rich of Courtland; four grandchildren, Stephen Roberson (Leanna) of West Point, Katherine Rich of Batesville, Caleb Roberson of Starkville, and Tripp Rich of Courtland; as well as three great-grandchildren, Tre’, Nora, and Ivy Grace Roberson.

She was predeceased by her brother, George Stith, and her parents.

Memorials may be made to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.