09/11/2025
On Monday, August 25, 2025, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring the life, service, and legacy of our fellow nurse, Cathy Richards, RN, at Providence Baptist Church in Opelika.
Cathy graduated from Samford University’s School of Nursing in Birmingham with her BSN. She went on to become a Certified Diabetes Educator and a Certified Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurse. Throughout her career, she served at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, Montgomery Baptist East as a wound care nurse, and as a circulating nurse in the operating room at East Alabama Medical Center.
Her commitment to nursing inspired her two children Ashley, and her son Justin to follow in her footsteps into the nursing profession.
Cathy leaves behind a legacy as a remarkable nurse whose hands and heart served others for more than 40 years. For her, nursing was never just a profession—it was a calling. With strength, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to her patients, she dedicated herself to caring for others day after day throughout those 40 years. She stood at countless bedsides, offering skill and comfort, guiding families through uncertainty, and lifting the spirits of her patients during some of their hardest moments.
Though her presence will be deeply missed, Cathy’s life’s work endures in every patient she cared for, every colleague she inspired, and every act of kindness she gave.
Cathy Richards, RN, we officially release you from your nursing duties. Your service is complete. We will proudly continue to carry the torch.
🕊️
Nightingale Tribute Leader: Pooie Cantrell RN
Guard Members: Joyce Forehand RN, Shari Busby RN, Genie Bocek RN, Jane Fullum RN