Helen Marie Richardson

HELEN MARIE JONES, beloved daughter and only child of Emma (nee Taylor) and Claude Jones was born on March 1, 1921 in Suffolk, Virginia. Helen’s mother passed when she was two years old. Helen was then raised by her loving grandmother until her death when Helen was six. Her remaining early years were spent with a maternal aunt. Helen’s prayer to God was always that she would live long enough to raise her own children. God blessed her with ninety years of life. She enjoyed not only the fulfillment of children, but grandchildren and great-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She departed this life on June 18, 2011. Helen received her education in the public schools of Suffolk, Virginia. She began her Christian experience as a child while living in Virginia. When she was of age, a paternal aunt traveled to Virginia and brought Helen back to live with her in Baltimore, Maryland. Helen remained a resident of Baltimore. During the early years, Helen and her family attended Cherry Hill United Methodist Church. She later became a member of Mt. Olive Free Will Church. In 1941, Helen was joined in wedlock to Garnell Forster Richardson. From this union, seven children were born. Helen and Garnell spent many years loving and caring for one another and their children. Garnell passed in 1987 after a lengthy illness. Helen devoted her life to the love, nurturing, caring and discipline of her children. She spent most of their early years at home. Whenever there was any task where her family needed guidance and assistance, “Ma” was always there. While she was an excellent cook and housekeeper, she was blessed with a natural ability to sew. She was an excellent seamstress making dresses with the most intricate of details for her three older daughters. She embroidered, crocheted and even made custom slipcovers. Her sewing skills were passed on to another daughter and her artistic creativity, she passed on to her oldest son. She could make something out of nothing and spent her later years foraging through thrift shops for material to make something out of nothing. That she did!! Thanksgiving dinner was always an event at Helen’s house. She cooked a complete traditional Thanksgiving dinner with added dishes like fried oysters and seafood salad until she was at least eighty-five years old. She loved having her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren surrounding her “Ma”. Her humble refrain has been, “Just think, all of you came from me and Garnell”. Helen departed this life surrounded by the love of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We are blessed that we were able to care for her at home assisted by Seasons Hospice Services. Helen leaves her joyful, gently and loving spirit to: three sons, Garnell (Patrica), Sheldon (Sandra) and Brandon Richardson; three daughters, Brenda Oglesby, Janice Gordon (James) and Roslyn Thames (Malachi). Her youngest daughter, Leatrice Cephas, preceded her in death. She also leaves to cherish her spirit: fourteen grandchildren, Frank T. Johnson III, Lorin Richardson (David), Jason Oglesby (Wanda), Kimonti Oglesby (Terri), Sean Thames, Trent Thames (Geneau), Jaleel Oglesby, Mark Richardson (Talia), Hakeem Oglesby, Brooke Richardson, Anana Oglesby (Brandon), Mellissa Lewis, Charles Wesley Cephas III and Shelton Richardson, Jr. (three weeks old). Her grandson, Derek J. Richardson also preceded her in death; fifteen great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

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Helen Marie Richardson

March 1, 1921 - June 18, 2011