Mother Mattie Lean Harden-Richards, 88, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, Palatka. The daughter of Isadore and Mattie Lean (Smith) Harden, she was born on Thursday, December 18, 1930 in Soperton, GA. Mattie was educated in the Treutlen County Public Schools. The wife of Spencer Anthony Richards, Sr., they subsequently began their family and relocated to Miami-Dade, FL where they became proud parents of fifteen children. After raising her children, she commenced a 22-year career employed as a Cafeteria Service Aide in the Miami-Dade Public School District until retirement. She was also a dedicated member of Memorial Temple Baptist Church of Miami for over 50 years where she faithfully served on Usher Board #1. "Mama" found her greatest joys when she was engaged in her hobbies of fishing, cooking, and gardening.

Mattie was preceded in eternal rest by her parents; all of her siblings; son, Ricky L. Richards (May 19, 2019); and grandson, Ryan D. Wadley (March 3, 2018).

She leaves to cherish her memories: sons, Verdale (Louise) Goins, Sr., Sebring, FL; Herman (Theresa) Harden, Spencer Richards, Jr., Tony Richards, all of Miami; and Earnell Richards, Soperton, GA; daughters, Betty Wadley, Soperton, GA., Barbara Williams, Palatka, Theresa Richards, Miami; Mary (Nelson) Richards-Caban, Miami, Mae Williams, Palatka; Sandra Richards, Palatka; Carol Richards, Palatka, Amanda (Aaron) Thomas, Palatka; Tangela Richards, Miami; 42 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren, and a host of other caring relatives & friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m., Friday, August 16, at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing Celebration will be 2 p.m., Saturday, August 17, at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Pastor, is the eulogist. Interment will be Oak Hill West Cemetery.