Mourners have been lining the streets for the funeral of the world’s longest-serving KFC worker who had been staff at the same fast food joint for 47 years.
Pauline Richards, known as Miss KFC, died last month aged 74 and worked almost every role at the branch in Taunton, Somerset – from cleaner to cashier to team leader.
On Wednesday her hearse, flanked by crowds of friends, family and former customers, made its final visit to the restaurant where she fried chicken for almost five decades.
Ms Richards, who had been battling cancer, is believed to have served more than five million drumsticks during a glittering career at the popular chicken store.
She has been the company’s longest-serving worker for two years after surpassing American employee Lorena Neely, who worked for the chain between 1976 and 2023.
A horse-drawn procession provided a fitting tribute to the long-time employee, leaving her home at 12.45pm on Wednesday before making the half-hour commute to her KFC.
It then continued its journey through the town centre to bid an emotional farewell to her community.
Members of the public also had the chance to leave notes in condolence books at the fast food restaurant.
Pauline Richards, pictured, known as Miss KFC, died last month aged 74 and worked almost every role at the branch in Taunton, Somerset – from cleaner to cashier to team leader
Mourners have been lining the streets for the funeral of the world’s longest KFC worker who worked at the same fast food joint for 47 years
On Wednesday her hearse, flanked by crowds of friends, family and former customers, made its final visit to the restaurant where she fried chicken for almost five decades
The pensioner became a cult hero in the town thanks to her ‘banter’ with customers and the habit of always having a smile on her face.
Local children called her ‘Mum’ and ‘Nan’ – while adults have fondly said she watched them grow up, seeing them through many a night out safely.
She was even honoured with a Civic Award by the town’s Mayor Councillor Vanessa Garside earlier this year for her ‘outstanding long service’ at the restaurant.
Ms Richards’s children, Wayne and Tracey Sutton, led the tributes who said working at KFC for so many years was ‘more than just a job to her’.
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.
Some mourners were moved to tears as they attended her funeral procession on Wednesday
Members of the public also had the chance to leave notes in condolence books at the fast food restaurant
‘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.’
Ms Richards previously told of her love of the job and how children used to call her Miss KFC.
She said: ‘When I go out for a break, children would shout over to me ‘Hello Miss KFC’ and call me ‘Mum’ and ‘Nan’.
‘Even on a Friday and Saturday night here, you get customers and some young boys start singing my name out and they are pleased to see me.
‘When I’m not in, they (the customers) are asking where I am. If I’ve been out, I get people asking why I’m not working tonight.’
Ms Richards began working for KFC in the 1970s to support her friend at the former branch on East Reach, Taunton.
During her time at the company, she worked her way up to becoming a manager for two-and-half years.
Ms Richards, who had been battling cancer , is believed to have served more than five million drumsticks during a glittering career at the popular chicken store
The pensioner became a cult hero in the town thanks to her ‘banter’ with customers and the habit of always having a smile on her face
She added: ‘I love my job. Customers I have always spoken to and I have been friendly with and I have always tried to help as best I can and this job has always suited my life.’
Ms Richards remained a hit among customers whatever her job title, with many taking to social media to pay tribute to the KFC employee.
One wrote on Facebook: ‘She was an absolute legend, simple as. A beautiful soul and will be sadly missed.’
Another added: ‘Very sad to hear the news of Pauline’s passing, what a lovely lady, I feel I’ve know all my life, you fed me many a night on the town, during my teens, 20s, 30s 40s and 50s.
‘A lovely hard working lady, who will be sadly missed by many I’m sure, thank you Pauline, till we meet in the KFC in the sky.’
Other residents have suggested putting up a bench or plaque in a ‘sunny spot’ in the town, in memory of ‘a true star of Taunton Town’ and a ‘local legend’.
They said it would be a fitting tribute to the woman who ‘brought a ray of sunshine’ to everyone she met and ‘made us all smile with her customer service banter’.
A KFC spokesperson said: ‘We’re deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Pauline Richards. We are supporting Pauline’s family, who have asked for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time.’
Local children call her ‘Mum’ and ‘Nan’ – while adults have fondly said she watched them grow up, seeing them through many a night out safely (Pictured: Ms Richards with her general manager Alice Yarde in 2019)
Ms Richards remained a hit among customers whatever her job title, with many taking to social media to pay tribute to the KFC employee
A spokesperson for Taunton Town Council said: ‘All of us at Taunton Town Council are saddened to learn of the passing of one of Taunton’s most loved residents, Pauline Richards, aka Miss KFC, the world’s longest serving member of KFC staff and a friendly, well known face in our town.
‘She was an excited and incredibly deserving recipient of one of our Civic Awards back in March this year.
‘Our thoughts are with her family and all of those who knew and loved her.’
