Talitha Richards Jones

Talitha B. Jones passed away on August 28, 2025. Born in Tifton, to Elbie and Gladys Akers Blanchett, Talitha graduated with the class of 1955 at Tifton High School. She later married her high school sweetheart, J. Floyce Richards, son of Reverend Floyd and Eunice Richards. Talitha and Floyce enjoyed 12 happy years of marriage until his death in a tragic car accident. Talitha was continually active in her community for many years in different clubs and churches, which earned her a place in the “Book of Outstanding Women of America” in 1972.

For 30 years she made a career as a Master Cosmetologist, impressing many with her talent for helping people with positive self-perceptions, feelings and how to improve themselves and help others.

After her retirement Talitha entered health care and retired after 10 years working with a cardiologist in Atlanta. The last steppingstone in her career was at Dasher Heart Center at South Georgia Medical Center.

Talitha had an active church life while in Tifton and after moving to Valdosta in 1980, she and her husband were active at Charity Baptist Church. They were both instrumental in the building of the church and the additions to make room for the continued growth of the church. She enjoyed the lady’s bible study group and the friendship and fellowship of singing in the choir.

Talitha enjoyed gospel music, reading, shopping and traveling. She was happiest when she was traveling with the Happy Travelers on their many trips.

Preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, J. Floyce Richards, and Ishmael L. Jones; a son, Ricky F. Richards, 3 infant sons, grandparents, Dempsey Powell and Essie Cagle Akers, grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Blanchett and all her aunts and uncles.

Survivors are her grandsons, Rusty (Jenny) Richards, Britt (Kayla) Richards; 4 great-grandchildren, Ellie Van Puymbrouck, Carson Andrew Richards, Wesley Richards and Landon Richards, 1 great great granddaughter, Remi Van Puymbrouck, several cousins and friends.

To know Talitha was to enjoy her and she will be missed by many. A prayer warrior who loved people, Talitha’s favorite quote was “Take One Day at a Time” and she was a firm believer of Phillipians 4:13.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Tifton. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral Home. www.mclanecares.com.