A Life To Remember

Ella Frances Thompson Richardson was born June 2, 1938 to Nathaniel Thompson and Corene Thompson.

Ella joined the Saint Mary Missionary Baptist Church at a young age. She loved the "Body of Christ" deeply and supported its mission to the fullest.

Ella was active in her local community through the Order of the Eastern Star and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated; she worked both loyally and faithfully within these organizations. Ella was selected as Woman of the Year (1985) for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Her work in the field of Education garnered this honor. Mrs. Richardson served as PTA president ( Brooklyn , New York ) from 1976-1980. She focused her efforts on decentralization, due process, and job security for black teachers.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, one brother, two nieces, and one great nephew.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, Henry Richardson, Sr.; five loving children, Curtis Wright, Willie Copeland (Terish), Clyde Copeland (Kenya), Elizabeth Copeland and Henry Richardson, Jr.; eight caring grandchildren, Waliek, Ryan, Joella, (Lequone), Kai'ne, Ashley, Norwert (Daniel), Bakari, and Angel; three great grandchildren; four devoted sisters, four brothers, and a host of nieces and nephews .

Funeral Service

The funeral service of Ella Frances Richardson, will be conducted Saturday, June 25, 2011 , at 11:00 a.m. , at Saint Mary Missionary Baptist Church, 6829 St. Mary Road, Baconton, Georgia.  Reverend Ananias Hopkins, III will officiate.

Active Pallbearers will be her nephews.

Committal Service

The committal service will follow in Saint Mary Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial Tribute

"I Am Always With You"

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,

But be thankful we had so many good years.

I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you've given me in happiness.

I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I traveled on alone.

So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
That it is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away for life goes on.

And if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear

And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home".