Barbara Pearl Hartley Richter

Barbara Pearl Hartley Richter née Bentz, 85, better known to her loved ones as “Joyce” or “Mimi,” passed away on November 4th at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Gulfport, MS. A lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast, she most recently resided in Long Beach. Born on October 14th, 1938, in Pass Christian, MS to Emile Joseph Bentz and Eula “Annie” Lee Harvey, Joyce lived a life anchored by her dedication to family, earning the deep adoration of all her children.

In her youth, she cultivated a love for women’s fashion, which led to a rewarding career at several local boutiques. Like many of her generation, she reveled in the tunes of Elvis Presley and developed a lifelong love of dancing. Her passion for garage sales was contagious! In her quieter moments, she enjoyed the chilling tales of Stephen King. Her cooking was the highlight of holiday celebrations and Christmas was her favorite time of year. She delighted in the details of her decorating ritual. Finally, she lived by—and passed down—advice she received from her mother: smile a lot, don’t worry, be content, and dream about all your wonderful goals.

She is survived by her children, John F. Hartley, Leslie A. Owen née Hartley, Lisa J. Sylvia née Hartley, David M. Hartley, LouDon F. Hollingsworth née Hartley, Laurie E. Hartley, and Maynard L. “Bebo” Hartley IV, 12 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren, as well as her siblings Jean, Ronald, and Emile “E.J.” She is predeceased by her first husband, Maynard Leslie Hartley III and her second husband, Robert Richter, as well as her parents, brother Howard, and sister Dawn.

Visitation will be on Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 1 – 2 pm at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach, MS. The funeral service will be at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel. A committal service will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport, MS.

Joyce truly lived each moment to the fullest and will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched.