MARGARET ANN RICH

Margaret Ann Rich, 76, beloved mother, songwriter and music publisher died peacefully Thursday morning, July 22 at her home in Germantown, Tennessee. Her husband was famed country music singer Charlie Rich, who credited Margaret Ann for much of his success. Mrs. Rich was born in Forrest City, Arkansas, attended Forrest City High School and is an Arkansas State Teachers College (Conway, Arkansas) alumna. She attained fame as a talented songwriter and music publisher from 1964 until her passing. Some of her more popular works include “Field of Yellow Daisies” recorded by Tom Jones, “A Sunday Kind of Woman” on husband Charlie Rich’s platinum selling Behind Closed Doors album, and “Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs” which attained #1 chart position for singer Ricky Van Shelton. Other songs include “A Part of Your Life” which was a single on the #1 country album Full Moon, performed by Kris Kristoffersen and Rita Coolidge, “Pass On By”, “Have A Heart”, “Party Girl”, and many others. Her songs have been recorded by Charlie Rich, Tom Jones, Bobby Blue Bland, Kris Kristoffersen, Rita Coolidge, and many other music artists. She was a founding member of the Memphis, TN chapter of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and a member of the Screen Actors Guild. Mrs. Rich contributed to many local charities in the Memphis area and was a regular supporter of the Memphis Blues Ball. Mrs. Rich is preceded in death by her husband Charlie Rich Sr. and two of her four children —Renee Annette Rich and Jack Michael Rich. Her parents were G. M. Greene and Margaret Martin Greene. She is survived by her brother Jimmy Greene, son Charlie Rich Jr. and wife Teri, daughter Laurie Rich Lee and husband Keith, grandchildren Maggie Yelverton and husband Brooks, Wesley Karber and wife Bethany, Cole Lee, Erica Rivas, Michael Wittenbach, and Leslie Wittenbach, great-grandchildren Parker and Suzi Yelverton and Lila and Mabyn Karber; nephews, John and Jordan Greene, nieces, Holly, Janna, and Meagan Greene; and sisters-in-law, Libby Ann Armstrong and Barbara Ann Rivers. The visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday, July 26, at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, also at Memorial Park Funeral Home, July 26. Memorial Park Funeral Home, "Behind the stone wall", 901-767-8930