Life Celebration of the Late Joseph Richardson

Alpha: 1941--Omega 2017

Deacon Joseph Richardson was seventh of nine brothers and one sister born to the late Supt. Thomas Alexander Richardson and the late Missionary Melisa Wheat Richardson on December 12, 1941 in Independence, Louisiana

Deacon Richardson was educated in the Tangipahoa Parish School System at Westside High School. He later attended and graduated from Southern University in 1966, with a bachelor's degree in Social Studies and minor in English. In 1968, he proudly served in the United States Army. During his tour in Pleiku, Vietnam, he taught English to students who were obtaining GED equivalent. In 1974, he obtained a Master of Education degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in Administration and Supervision with a minor in Special Education. His educational career ended in 1977 with a Master of Education plus thirty. 

In 1966, he began his teaching career at Westside High School in Amite as a social studies and reading teacher. He was known as a good disciplinarian and a better than average teacher who greeted everyone with his infectious smile. For the next 15 years, he worked as classroom teacher. He was later transferred to Loranger High School as Assistant Principal. Two years later he was appointed principal at Spring Creek High School He was awarded Educator of the year in 1980. The following year, he became principal at Jewel B Sumner High School. He concluded his administrative career at Roseland Elementary. Throughout his career, he was affiliated with numerous professional organizations. 

Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Deacon Joseph Richardson retired after thirty three years of service in 1999, only to come out of retirement in 2003 to become Principal of Gordon-Richardson Christian Academy. This school was birthed in the heart of the is oldest brother, Supt. Samuel Richardson. It was a place where children were loved and taught biblical principles as well as secular courses. As a lifelong, faithful member of Gordon-Richardson Temple of Deliverance, he served in as administrative capacity in addition to being a Sunday School teacher, Chairman of the Deacon Board, Chairman of the Finance Committee and District Choir President. He also served as a spiritual mentor for many young men in the church.

Deacon Joseph joined the graduate chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and was awarded "Sigma Man of the Year" for the humanitarian efforts and commitment to the organization. 

He leaves behind his wife, Joyce Jacob-Richardson, his children, Andre Richardson, Amite, Valencia (George) Sander, Baton Rouge, Daphne (Frederick) Hall, Lafayette, April (Gary) Bruns-Brister,  Bogalusa; Earl (Diane) Richardson, Sr., Amite, Darnell (Gayle) Richardson, Hammond; sister-in-laws, Supervisor Dorothy J. Richardson, Amite, Betty Richardson, Amite, Bernice Franklin, Jackson, MS, Marvis Jacobs, Killed, TX, Nettie (Clinton) Frazier, Bogalusa; brother-in-law Larry (Gail) Jacobs, Houma; a God-daughter, Deandria Harrell, numbeous nieces, nephews, cousins, and church family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Supt. Thomas Alexander Richardson and the late Missionary Melisa Wheat Richardson, his sister, Helenstine Richardson Williams and five brothers Thomas Richardson, Sr., Walter Richardson, Sr., Alex Richardson, Jr., Supt. Samuel Richardson and Elder Nathaniel Richardson, Sr., 

Andre Richardson
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Why Write Your Own Obituary?

Doris Lloyd looking at obituary collection
Center for Southeast Louisiana

I think this is something that most people really don't want to do. The question is, why not write your own obituary? I think most people become terrified at the thought of death. Facing our own death can be a thought that most of us would like to avoid. "The truth is all of us will die and that is something that we can't avoid." You know exactly what you want said and it will help your family members who are in distress by writing your own obituary.

Losing a family member, relative, friend can be emotional time and the personal who is making the arrangements thoughts can be somewhat cloudy. Your family members are under a lot of stress at the loss and will be overwhelmed with your final arrangement. Writing your own obituary can help reduce some of the stress.

For people who are very organized this is part of their files. I know one person whom wrote their own obituary. "Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon," when she passed away her daughter honored her mother's wishes and used the  obituary that her mother had written. Jim Rebhorn wrote his own obituary, he wrote in the third person, he explains how each one of his family members loved him.

You should leave your obituary with your insurance policy so that it can easily be found. Often times the person who are writing your obituary may leave out facts and things that you want people to know and remember about you.

Writing your obituary you get to chose what you want said, who you want as the pallbearers and

Celebration of Life
Mary J. Daniels

honorary pallbearers, who you want to handle your services, etc. You also get to talk about the life events that were a part of your life. You will be surprised how many family members who may not know things that their decease relative accomplishments or what they were involved in. They may not know their friends are family members who were dear to them.

Whatever I can do to make it easier on my love ones at the time of my death is what I want to do. It is also a way of taking charge of your own life story. After all it is your life story and you should tell it. Think about it "What would the person who is writing your obituary say?" They can't possibly know more than you. Besides if there is a wish that you want to see carried out write it in your obituary.

If there are any special instructions for your services put it in your files with your obituary and make sure you talk with the person(s) who will be charged of your arrangement and a person who you know will follow your instructions.

Something funny I want to share, "I was talking with my friends and I told them not to dress me in

one of those suits that many ladies wear to church," make sure I have my African attire on. I told them that I would tickle their toes every night if they didn't honor my wishes. My two sons know to make my homegoing celebration the way I lived. African drumming is what I want and certainly let the people who really know me deliver my eulogy, after all those who were around me know me best.

In lieu of flowers, donate the money to a charitable organization of my choice " Gathering of Hearts," because so many people are in need and I can't see the sense of spending money on flower that will die. Providing for those in need is where I want the money to be spent.

Wow, I'm leaving instructions in this blog. Its beautiful when you can face the day that most people are afraid of. Of course I want to live a long but healthy life like everyone else. But let's face it each of must face that day. More people are writing their own obituary. So get started on writing your own obituary and place it in our files.