Pauline Channell Richardson

Pauline Channell Richardson, 104 years old, of Greensboro, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024. She was born in Philomath, GA, on July 22, 1919, to the late John Harrison Jackson, Sr. and Laura Smith Jackson. 

She attended Union Point Schools, eventually earning her GED after leaving school to work at the local textile mill to help provide for her mother and siblings after her father passed away. She fulfilled her lifelong dream of attending college, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Truett McConnell College in 1990 at the age of 71.

Pauline married Robert Melvin Channell, Sr. on September 7, 1941, while he was in the Army.

They lived in Florida, Tennessee, and Indiana, before settling in Greene County, where they lived until Melvin died in 1963. Pauline lived the remainder of her life in Greensboro, GA, where she married Cecil McDaniel in 1965 until he died in 1971 and Paul Richardson in 1990 until he died in 1999. She was the oldest living member of the First Methodist Church of Greensboro-Lake Oconee. “Miss Pauline,” as she was affectionately known by many, not only devoted herself to her family but to Greene County. She took over the family grocery business, Channell Super-Valu, after the death of her husband Melvin and operated it independently for over 30 years.

“Miss Pauline” was never afraid to speak her mind and many have expressed that she was the most dedicated and hard-working woman they had ever known. In addition to owning and operating a successful business, Pauline served for eight years on the board of Minnie G. Boswell Memorial Hospital during a critical time in the life of the hospital as it was on the verge of being closed down. As chair of the Greene County Hospital Authority, she tackled the problem with the forthrightness and dedication that characterized her life and successfully campaigned to save the hospital from imminent demise.

As a result, she received the Georgia Hospital Association Distinguished Service Award in 1997. Pauline’s life is a testament to her faith and commitment to endure difficult times. She did not know the meaning of giving up. Pauline has left a legacy that will live on well beyond her years.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Pauline was preceded in death by her sister, Catherine Villegas, brother, John Harrison Jackson, Jr., son, Robert Melvin Channell, Jr., and grandson, Paul Jackson Channell, Jr.

She is survived by her son, Paul Jackson Channell, Sr., and his wife Diane, of Santa Fe, NM; daughter-in-law Carolyn DeVane Channell of Greensboro, GA; five grandchildren, Sara Lynn Bryant (Benjie), Laura Mason (Steve), Mel Channell, Carrie Shepherd (Scott), Ravi Channell (Amara); nine great-grandchildren: Caroline Bryant, Alyson Richards (Conrad), Will Sellers, Isabelle Channell, Robert Channell IV, John Shepherd, Grace Mason, Henry Shepherd, and Liza Shepherd; one great-great grandchild Nora Richards; several beloved nieces and nephews and several other relatives and friends. The family is especially grateful to Robert Peek for his dedication and loyalty to Pauline over the past 40 years.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Methodist Church of Greensboro-Lake Oconee, 202 W. Broad Street, Greensboro, GA, with the Rev. Richard Chewning officiating.

The family received friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the Family Life Center. Instead of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be made to First Methodist Church of Greensboro-Lake Oconee, 202 W. Broad Street, Greensboro, GA, or St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Foundation, 1230 Baxter Street, Athens, GA, 30606.

McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.