Rachel Lorrene Richards

Rachel Lorrene Richards obituary

Rachel Lorrene Richards

Upcoming Events

Oct

25

Visitation

3:30 p.m.

Brownlie & Maxwell Chapel

1010 E. Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901

Send Flowers

Oct

25

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Brownlie & Maxwell Chapel

1010 E. Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901

Send Flowers

Oct

26

Celebration of Life

2:30 p.m.

Pentecostal Lighthouse

2350 W. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, FL

Send Flowers

Rachel Richards Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Brownlie & Maxwell Funeral Service & Crematory on Oct. 10, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Rachel Lorrene Velie Richards, 71, of West Melbourne, Florida, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 8, 2025. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving husband and family.

Born on November 11, 1953, in Pontiac, Michigan, Rachel was the daughter of the late Oscar and Freda Velie. She lived a life marked by faith, compassion, service, and a gentle spirit that reflected the love of Christ in all she did.

Rachel is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 22 years, Paul Richards, who stood faithfully by her side through every season of life. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister, Sharon Belsheim (Steve), and her brothers, Thomas Velie (Lisa) and Oscar "Van" Velie.

Rachel's heart for family was boundless. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and other beloved family members she helped raise and care for throughout her life. Her nurturing spirit, steady faith, and generous love left an indelible mark on every life she touched.

Rachel's life was a testimony of grace and devotion-to God, to her family, and to all who were blessed to know her. Her warmth and kindness will live on in the hearts of those she loved.

A celebration of life service will be held to honor Rachel's life and her homegoing to heaven.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Rachel Richards's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Yesterday

Celie Riden Saylor posted to the memorial.

October 10, 2025

Brownlie & Maxwell Funeral Service & Crematory announced events.

October 10, 2025

Brownlie & Maxwell Funeral Service & Crematory posted an obituary.

1 Entry

Celie Riden Saylor

Yesterday

I met Rachel when we were teenagers attending Bro. Wardell's church in Pontiac. Rachel was such a special person. Her sweet spirit and devotion to the Lord was so encouraging to me. We spent many Sunday dinners, afternoons and youth outings together. Even though we have lived states apart, I was so glad to be able to keep in touch with the Velie family thru friends and Facebook. She will be missed by all. Thankful she was a friend of mine. Prayers for the family. Celie (Riden) Saylor.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Brownlie & Maxwell Funeral Service & Crematory

1010 Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901

Make a Donation
in Rachel Richards's name

How to support Rachel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Rachel Richards's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Oct

25

Visitation

3:30 p.m.

Brownlie & Maxwell Chapel

1010 E. Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901

Send Flowers

Oct

25

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Brownlie & Maxwell Chapel

1010 E. Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901

Send Flowers

Oct

26

Celebration of Life

2:30 p.m.

Pentecostal Lighthouse

2350 W. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, FL

Send Flowers