Funeral procession for world's longest-serving KFC worker will pass chicken shop
A funeral procession for the world's longest serving KFC worker will pass by the restaurant where she worked for nearly 50 years.
Pauline Richards, who began working at the branch in Taunton, Somerset in 1978, was known as 'Miss KFC' - and she has recently died aged 74.
She served up over five million drumsticks over five decades for the chicken shop, and her varied roles at KFC included being a cleaner, cashier, supervisor, manager and team leader.
Popular Pauline died last month. the 74-year-old was a well-known face around the town of Taunton in Somerset, making everyone she met feel 'seen and valued'. Tributes have been pouring in following her death, from family, close friends, and customers alike - and she'd made headlines earlier this year as being KFC's longest-serving worker globally.
Her family have released a statement sharing details of her funeral - and the procession will be passing by the takeaway. Pauline's funeral, which will be held on Wednesday, August 20, will leave her home at 12:45pm before heading to town.
The procession will pass her old place of work, the KFC restaurant at the bottom of East Street, at 1.15pm before continuing its journey through Taunton as the community there says its last goodbyes.
Pauline's daughter, Tracey, has asked that those wishing to pay their respects do so via the condolence book if they are unable to attend the funeral procession. Taunton locals and their families who knew Pauline are all invited to watch her final journey - and to attend a wake at The Library bar, formerly Pitcher & Piano, if they wish to at 5pm on August 20.
People that knew Pauline will be able to leave notes in the condolence books at the KFC store on East Street in Taunton. Wayne and Tracey Sutton, Pauline's children, left a heartfelt statement with the Somerset County Gazette.
They said: "Mum was a truly special person. She was kind, caring, generous and adored by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
'Mum made people feel seen and valued, whether it was family and friends, or the customers and colleagues she met at KFC.
"KFC was more than just a job to her. She loved talking to customers and always remembered their stories, and she built friendships that lasted for many years.
'Mum always taught us to give people your care and time, and we know that's something she'll be remembered for.
'Being part of the Taunton community was really important to Mum. Reading all the tributes and knowing so many people are thinking of her, both in Taunton and beyond, has been a huge comfort to us.
"Thank you everyone for your kind words and support. It would have meant the world to mum.'
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