Ellen Kay Richmond

Ellen “Kay” Richmond, 64, a devoted mother, sister and grandmother, passed away Sunday January 5, at her home in Abingdon following a courageous battle with multiple myeloma.

Kay was born July 10, 1960, in Bristol to Ezra Collins and Lucille Crawford. Kay was a graduate of Sullivan East High School in Bristol. Kay was known and loved by much of Bristol and surrounding areas as the friendly, sassy and quick-witted co-owner of Cecil’s Market from 1995 until its closing in 2021. She loved each one of her customers as if they were a member of her family. She along with her late husband, Dwight, enjoyed sharing conversations, laughs and memories with all that entered their business over the years are its various locations in Bristol then moving to Abingdon before its closure.

Kay is preceded in death by her husband Dwight David Richmond, whom with she shared 33 years of marriage before his death in 2016. She is also proceeded in death by her father, Ezra Collins, mother, Lucille Crawford, and sister Margie Beth Crawford. Left to honor her memory are her daughter and closest friend, Melanie Kay Blankenship (husband Tyler) of Riner, VA; three beautiful grandchildren who she considered her dearest blessings, Jacqueline, Nehlen and Major Blankenship; two sisters who were by her side until her last breath, Glenda Neal (husband Jeff) and Mary Tignor (husband Johnny) both of Bristol, TN; and one brother, Graig “JJ” Collins (wife Peggy) of Bristol, TN. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved immensely.

Kay’s family will receive friends on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St Jude’s Research Hospital in celebration of Kay’s life at stjude.org .

The family of Kay Richmond is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA, 276-623-2700.