Patricia Johnson Rickey-Lyons

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia J. Rickey-Lyons, a remarkable woman whose life was filled with love, dedication, and selflessness. Patricia left this world on February 28, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Patricia, affectionately known as Pat, was born on October 10, 1939, in the last house near the mouth of the mine in Jewell Ridge, Virginia. She was the firstborn child of H. Virginia "Gee" Johnson Grove and Railroad Conductor John Leonard Swofford. With her blazing red hair, Pat's vibrant presence illuminated the lives of those around her from the very beginning. As the oldest sister to her four siblings, Pat’s life began in service to her family, acting as both sister and caregiver to her younger sisters and brother. This dedication to those around her carried on throughout her entire life, displaying an unwavering commitment to service and community. She was a founding member of the Richlands Women's Auxiliary Volunteer Rescue Squad, dedicating her time and energy to helping those in need. Pat's compassion and dedication were evident in her work with the squad, as she selflessly gave of herself to ensure the well-being of others. Not only was Pat dedicated to the rescue squad, but she also made history as the first woman to run and seek election to the Richlands Town Council. Her determination and pioneering spirit paved the way for future generations of women in the community. Pat's involvement in the Boy Scouts of America showcased her nurturing nature and her belief in giving back. After watching her two sons work hard to rise to the rank of Eagle Scout, Pat later went on to serve as a Den Mother to Cub Scouts in Richlands, Virginia. She later held the position of Assistant Cubmaster to Pack 0777 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Pat's dedication to the scouts was a testament to her strong values of mentorship and guiding young minds toward personal growth and achievement. She had a true passion for gardening, working with both flowers and vegetables. She once successfully grew a tomato that was one ounce shy of three pounds and managed to grow a cucumber that was 24 & 1/2 inches in length. She was self-taught went it came to home renovation projects. These home-schooled skills allowed her to draw up the blueprints of a house that she had built for both her and her mother. She was thrilled to learn that her blueprints had been approved by the county and that construction on the house would move forward. Pat later learned that this accomplishment had not gone unnoticed. County officials informed Pat that her house would be the last house that would be built in the community, without the actual blueprints of a certified architectural engineer. Pat's greatest joy came from her role as a mother to her two remarkable sons, Tyrone Oliver Rickey and Ronald Jeffrey Rickey of Richmond, Virginia. She instilled in them the values of family, faith, integrity, kindness, and the importance of giving back to the community. Pat's love extended to her heartfelt daughter, Tina Michelle Conner of Abingdon, Virginia, and embraced her daughters-in-law, Tami Broadwater Rickey and Mrs. Rebecca Lynn Smith of Richmond, Virginia as part of her own family. She found great pride and happiness in her grandchildren Vincent Alexander Riquier and Matthew Jeffrey Rickey of Richmond, Virginia. She cherished every moment spent with her grandsons and embraced her step-grandchildren. She is survived and carried on in spirit by sister Brenda Sue Grove Brakefield of Pounding Mill, Virginia, and brother Rondal Keith Grove and wife Judy Kay Grove of Richlands, Virginia, as well as brother-in-law, Richard Lee Conner of Abingdon, Virginia. She is preceded in death by sisters Velma Jean Grove Conner and Sandra Lee Grove Pruitt, and brothers-in-law Roger Lee Pruitt and Jonnie Reid Brakefield. Pat is also survived by many nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her beloved mother H. Virginia "Gee" Johnson Grove and Father John Leonard Swofford, as well as her loving maternal grandparents James Washington Johnson and Nancy Augustu Hawkins, and paternal grandparents William Henry Swofford and Maude Leonia Shook. Pat was the wife of Norman Thomas Riquier of Highland Falls, New York. In her later life, Pat’s closest friend and sweetheart was Tivis “Midge” Boyd of Richlands, Virginia, who acted as grandfather to her grandson Vincent. Patricia J. Rickey-Lyons will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her unwavering love, strength, and dedication to her family and community. Her legacy of service and kindness will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. As we bid farewell to Pat, let us hold onto the memories and lessons she imparted upon us. May her soul rest in eternal peace, knowing that she made a lasting impact on the lives of those she touched. The funeral service for Patricia Lyons will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Virginia. Entombment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, Virginia with the Rev. Gary Lyons officiating the committal service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday beginning at 11:00 AM until the time of service. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia oversees arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Patricia Johnson Rickey-Lyons

October 10, 1939 - February 28, 2024