Era Lee Richards came into this world on September 6, 1923 and joined her heavenly family on June 13, 2021, at the age of 97 years. Our most beloved family member - an incredible woman who touched the heart of everyone she met. She was our hero who showed us what strength, perseverance and unconditional love meant. She was the epitome of grace, kindness and generosity. Era was blessed with 3 children, Melva, Carolyn and Kenneth. She is survived by daughters Melva Hunter and Carolyn Higginbotham,10 Grandchildren include Dee Banks, Deanna Dempsey and her husband Tommy, Darrell Banks and his fiancé Eva, Chris Schatte and his wife Brandi Dawn, Sandy Babb and her husband Doug, James Stevenson and his wife Angie, Brian Richards and his wife Michelle. There are 16 great-grandchildren, Brandi Leigh Brown-Arny and her husband Lance, Corey Campbell and his wife Heather, Kevin Fernandes and his fiancée Haley, Kerri McNeese and her husband Jason, Zachary Fernandes and his wife Amber Jo, Trey, Call and Capp Schatte, Jessica Hart, Krystal Jones, Shawn Jones and his wife Rachael, Emily and Eric Stevenson, and Valerie Richards, 13 Great-Great-Grandchildren Valyn Brown, Kayleigh, Lileigh and Marleigh Campbell, Magdalynn and Charlie McNeese, Ian Hartt-Sampson, Caylee and Trentin Sampson, Vivian and Wyatt Jones, Dylan and Jordan Jones and one Great-Great-Great Grandchild Ava Lee Gordon. This list would not be complete without adding Era's extended family members James Jones, Doug and Mary Glover, Toni Lowe, Billy Long, Colin Sampson, Sam Forbes and many wonderful life-long friends who meant so much to her. Era leaves this world to join many of her loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband Orlando Lee in 1981 when she was only 58 years old. She has missed him every day since. We take comfort in knowing she is smiling and joyful to be spending the rest of eternity with her beloved husband. She was also preceded in death by her beloved son, Kenneth Lee Richards, her daughter-in-law Betty Jo Richards, her parents Willie Lee Hardeman and Cora Corley Reagan, sisters, Evelyn Baker and Elsie Ray Case. Also, her precious grandchildren, Sherry Lynn Jones, Donna Renee Campbell, Kenneth Lee Richards, Jr., and great- granddaughters, Valerie Ann Hyde and Kayleigh Ann Campbell. What a reunion they are having in heaven. Era was 14 when a charming, tall and very handsome boy from a nearby town would walk 8-mile round trip to her house to play dominoes, his journey took him to Houston. Her journey eventually also took her to Houston. They reconnected and were married on October 21, 1939. They welcomed 3 children, Melva Ann, Carolyn Gayle and Kenneth Lee. The family loved camping, fishing, and having family and friend gatherings including many, many of the game "42" parties. Grandkids have wonderful memories of a man-made roller coaster, swimming pool, zip line and many parties that included fish fries, volleyball and dancing at their grandparents' house. Era received her bachelor's degree at the age of 40 and continued her education receiving her master's degree soon thereafter. She became a special education teacher in the Pasadena Independent School District where she created the district's special education curriculum. She won many awards for her techniques and her students adored her. Era and Orlando loved to dance. They were members of the SPJST Lodge 88 and the Herman Sons for many years. They taught their children and grandchildren how to waltz, polka, and two step. Dancing was a rite of passage in the Richards's household. There will never be anyone like Era. What a legacy - Our Mom, Memaw, Granny, and friend. Era's capacity to love is one of the attributes that is treasured by all who were lucky enough to be a part of her life. Her message to all of us is to simply love each other. We are thankful to have been a part of the journey of this incredibly beautiful soul. We will continue her love with our whole hearts and, as she wished, create a more loving planet. We will always share our precious memories but not her pie. We will not share the chocolate pie.