Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite Preserving History Once Again By Donating Funeral Programs for Preservation

Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Just as I was finishing up a long day at my home offie, my phone starting ringing. On the other end of the line was Jo-Ann Frazier, the secretary at Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite. It was obvious to me that if she was calling me so late that evening, it must be something important. As it turned out it was true, she mentioned that the staff had cleaned out the closet of one of their long time staff members, Eddie Brazil, who had recently passed away, and they had discovered boxes and boxes of funeral programs that he had been been holding on for many years.

Eddie was the archivist at Richardson's Funeral Home, so to speak. The quote "Those who plant trees, knowing that only others will enjoy the shade, are public benefactors." Even in death, Eddie continues to give to the community through these rich funeral programs. My only wish is to have had the opportunity to interview him about the collection. I would like to know what motivated him to save the funeral programs?

As a result, they discussed what should be done with the collection in their staff meeting. Jo-Ann suggested they contact me about the collection. I replied that I would take them without hesitation when Earl Richardson, one the proprietors contact me. I advised him that I would consult with Dr. Samuel Hyde, Executive Director of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies about the collection. Following the consultation with Dr. Hyde, he informed me that the department would gladly take the collection for preservation. We both agreed that the collection should stand on its own as the "Richardson Funeral Home Funeral Program Collection" and it was formally established at that point. 

The Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies mission is to preserves and promote the history and cultures of Louisiana's Florida Parish, Southwestern Mississippi. It is customary for African American funeral programs to include extensive information about the deceased and oftentimes it contains a piece of local history as well.  In addition to that, they are donating a volume of funeral book that include the name of the deceased person, date of death, where they will be buried, and other information.

 Funeral Records

Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite is the first funeral home to preserve such a large amount of records, which will prove to be extremely valuable to genealogists, historians, writers, and filmmakers. I would appreciate if other funeral homes in the area took similar measures. It all began with Eddie preserving and collection these funeral programs and he probably did not realize that it would lead to something so great and wonder. Once again, the entire staff is giving back to community through these donations. 

When the collection is placed in my hands, I start reading and analyzing each program carefully and thoroughly. Then I immediately begin sorting them alphabetically. I begin the process of developing a database for the collection before it is donated to the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. Once the center receive it, it processes and posts a finding aid online to the collection. Depending on the complexity of the project, the entire process may take six to seven month to complete.  Genealogist, historians, and organizations and societies that study genealogy will benefit from this collection. Please accept our appreciation to Richardson's Funeral Home, Inc. Amite for their generous contribution to the study of genealogy and local history. Please see the link below for their collection at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. Please email Dr. Antoinette Harrell at nurturingour@gmail.com  if you have any funeral programs in your private collection that you would like donate.

Link to the collection:

http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/r_s/richardson_funeral_home/

Remembering Aunt Melissa

Left: Helestine Richardson Williams and
her mother Melissa Wheat Richardson

Aunt Melissa was the wife of my maternal great Uncle Alexander Richardson. She was one of those aunts I admired dearly. She had such a lovely smile and beautiful character. Her beautiful smile and gentle character was always so pleasant. Everyone who met Aunt Melissa loved her kindness and gentle nature. Aunt Melissa was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was the mother of ten children; handsome nine sons and one beautiful daughter.  Her delightful presence graced the room wherever she was. 

Her benevolent disposition led her to care for others in her church and community. Aunt Melissa's husband, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews cherished and adored her. Her high standards and elegance characterized her in every way. Aunt Melissa was an example of a virtue woman. There was a very humble way in which she shared her wisdom with everyone she encountered. She was a very pious woman and loved serving God and being a servant. 

I can describe her in the best possible way of such words as; charming, respectful, sweet and gentle, kind, beautiful, elegant, a woman of virtue, and most importantly; a woman of God. As she is no longer with us, my writing are in past tense. Yet, the beautiful legacy she left lives in the lives of her offsprings and others who's lives she encountered. I will close by saying" Gone But Never Forgotten."

Homegoing Celebration for Melvin Finn

Melvin Finn

Melvin Finn was born October 19, 1937, in Amite, Louisiana. He was the oldest of the three sons born to Nelson and Bertha Daniels Finn. God saw Melvin getting very weary and called him home early Monday morning, May 17, 2004. His family suffers the terrible loss of their wonderful father and grandfather. However, God's plan calls for Melvin to be in His presence...and to reunite with the loved once who went on before him.

Melvin Finn, known to many as "Tator" was an all around athlete. He excelled at basketball, track, football and boxing. It was at O.W. Dillon High School in Kentwood, Louisiana, that Melvin was named Champion of the Boxing Club. West Side High School was opened in Amite, Louisiana, where Melvin continued his high school studies. He graduated from West Side High School in 1956. After graduation, he attended Southern University through his athletic football scholarship.

In 1957, Melvin married his first love, Ora L. Finn, former principal of Amite High School. Melvin and Ora was blessed with three devoted children: Samara, Schirra, and Tigia. He worked in construction briefly in the 1960's to support his family. In August of 1966, Melvin Finn became the first Black policeman of the Town of Amite City. He served diligently with the force 24 years until his retirement in August of 1990. 

After retirement Melvin spent his leisure time enjoying his favorite past times. He was and avid fisherman. Melvin, Mr Mot, Mr. Raymond, and Mr. Roscoe spent many days on the water and returned home with big fish tales. He was Aldo a part of a local bowling leaguer for over twenty years. His partner, Dr. Percy Walker, Melva and other bowling partners continued to bowl well into the ninety. 

The Finn Family worshiped at Butler's AME Zoo Church faithfully. During worship services Melvin's wonderful baritone voice often filled the church singing praises to the Lord. As a part of the Butler's Male Chorus and the Senior Choir, he served dutifully as Choir President in 1993. 

He leaves to cherish his delightful memories: oldest daughter, Samara (husband Larry), Joseph of Atlanta, GA; only son Schirra Finn, Sr.; youngest daughter Tigia M. Finn both of Amite.; four grandchildren: Sean and Syrus Finn of Amite, Grace Watson of Franklinton, and Kahilla Finn of New Orleans; and a host to cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.

Mr. Finn is preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Bertha Finn; his loving wife, Mrs. Ora L. Finn all of Amite, Louisiana., two brother, Alfred Charles Finn, Sr., and Nelson Finn, Jr., both of California.; cousin Melva Brumfield, of Amite, Louisiana..; several aunts and uncles, John Finn, Alphonse Finn, Gussie Daniels, Rosemary Dillon, Ruth Johnson, Lucille Bigelow, and Gertrude Barrett.

Reprint from the Funeral Program of Melvin Finn

Courtesy of Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite