Moses Henry Richeson

MOSES HENRY RICHESON was born on March 23, 1910, in Amherst County, Virginia to the late James D. and Mary F. Richeson. Deacon Richeson, as he would come to be known, was called to be with his heavenly father on May 22, 2006 after a short illness. Moses gave his life to the Lord at an early age when he joined the Piney Hill Baptist Church in Amherst County, Virginia. He later joined the Timothy Baptist Church also in Amherst County, Virginia, where he became a member of the Deacon Board in 1939. In addition to being a Deacon, Moses served in many other capacities in the Church, most notably, as Superintendent of the Sunday School for thirty-two years. Although Deacon Richeson retained his life membership at Timothy Baptist and always considered Timothy to be his home, he later served in the Sunday School and on the Deacon Board of the First Baptist Church, Coolwell, Virginia. Deacon Richeson attended school in Amherst County. Deacon Richeson spent his life as a loving husband, devoted father, and dedicated Christian. He was totally involved in family and community service. He was an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and worked hard for the betterment of all. He was a strong advocate for "getting a good education," and he always encouraged young folks to stay in school. He wanted the next generation to "do better than we did." Deacon Richeson engaged in a variety of career activities to provide food and shelter for his family. Farming, Carpentry, Hunting, Fishing, and Logging were among the many skills he mastered to help sustain his family. He was a cheerful giver to Church and community both monetarily and personal labor, which he did so with a smile upon his face. He led a major project involving the rebuilding and various improvements to the Timothy Baptist Church and First Baptist Church. As one person put it, "Deacon Richeson never met a smile that he couldn't match with a bigger smile." His vegetable garden was his passion as his farmer skills carried over into a small patch of space in the back yard which he dutifully tilled right up to his illness. He received numerous citations for service to Church and community including a Certificate of Appreciation from the President of the United States, the State of Maryland, and various accolades from churches and community organizations throughout his life. Deacon Richeson married Jennie Andres Eubanks on November 15, 1933. From this union, six children were born, Thelma, Vasco, Moses, David, Harvey, and Homer. Deacon and Jennie Richeson were married for 55 years until Jennie's death in 1988. At the time of Jennie's death, Deacon and Jennie Richeson were resided in Baltimore County, Maryland, where they enjoyed a Christian experience with the Rising Sun First Baptist Church. Deacon Richeson continued his Christian experience with the Rising Sun First Baptist Church for several years until he was no longer able to actively participate in services. During that time, he met and married Daisy Lunn, and they were married six years. Deacon Richeson made numerous friends wherever he went and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He most enjoyed returning to the Timothy Baptist Church for the annual homecoming service on the fourth Sunday in August. Deacon Richeson leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Daisy; sister, Laurie Ruth Coleman; three sons, David H. Richeson of Baltimore, Md., Harvey W. Richeson of Baltimore, Md., and Homer Leonard Richeson of Silver Spring, Md.; grandsons, David H. Richeson, Jr., LTJG Glenn David Richeson, USN, Torrence L. Richeson; granddaughters, Wanda Lynne Walker of Bowie, Md., Patrice Irick, Dr. Jennifer Richeson Ph.D., Chicago, Ill.; son-in-law, Donald Millard, Baltimore, Md.; daughters-in-law, Doretha Richeson of Washington, D.C., Gloria Richeson and Dorothy Richeson, Baltimore, Md.; several great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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Moses Henry Richeson

March 23, 1910 - May 22, 2006