Barbara Richardson

A Life Well Lived Missionary Barbara Richardson was born on October 13, 1953, in Macon, Mississippi, to Mother Willie Florence Richardson and the late Walter Richardson. Barbara was the first born of ten children. From the very beginning, Barbara’s life was rooted in faith, family, and service. Barbara attended Liddell Elementary School in Macon, Mississippi, before continuing her education and graduating from Noxubee County High School. At an early age, Barbara accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and dedicated her life to the Church of God in Christ. She was baptized at Freedom Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Cody V Marshall. As a faithful member, she served diligently in the Ministry as the church secretary, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to God’s work. In 2005, Barbara joined with Build Up Church of God in Christ in Chicago, Illinois, under the leadership of Pastor Tyrone Handy Sr. As her spiritual walk continued to flourish, Barbara worked diligently and served in many ministries, including the Church Nurse Ministry, Pastor’s Aide Ministry, Hospitality Committee, and wherever her service was needed. Her willingness to serve reflected her heart for God and his people. In 2011, Barbara was officially licensed as a Missionary in the Northern Illinois Jurisdiction, Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of the late Bishop Cody V. Marshall. Missionary Barbara remained committed to the work of the Lord, serving with humility, excellence, and unwavering dedication. In February 2026, Barbara accepted the position as District Missionary of the Living Water District, under the leadership of Pastor Tyrone Handy Sr. within the Illinois Southwest Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Eugene Fears Jr. and State Supervisor Dr. Angelique Williams. Missionary Barbara was known for her steadfast faith, compassionate heart, and willingness to serve wherever she was needed. She loved sharing God’s Word, encouraging others, and living a life that reflected Christ. Her service to the Kingdom was not merely a position it was her calling. Through her faithfulness, humanity, and servant’s heart, she touched countless lives and leaves behind a lasting spiritual legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Barbara will leave behind a rich legacy of love, faith, and obedience that will live on through her children and grandchildren. People were blessed to know this woman of God. Her heart was opened to everyone. She always puts the needs of others before her own. This was a big part of her life. She lived out the fruits of the spirit daily. A woman who fears the lord is to be praised. She was a vessel of God’s love. Well done thy good and faithful servant, well done. Barbara was a woman of many talents and she had an incredible work ethic. She worked faithfully for many years at Continental Mailing Service before pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams. Never allowing herself to stop growing, she earned her Illinois Real Estate License working for Creative Mortgage. Barbara continuously expanded her knowledge through numerous small business certification programs and many other certifications. Barbara’s creativity was unmatched. She found joy in arts and crafts and eventually transformed her passion into a successful event planning business. Elise Events, where she brought elegance, beauty, and unforgettable memories to countless celebrations. Whether decorating an event creating handcrafted pieces, encouraging another entrepreneur, or simply helping someone in need, Barbara gave her all. She believed there was always another talent to discover and another opportunity to learn. While Barbara accomplished many things professionally, her greatest joy was her family. She loved wholeheartedly and unconditionally. She was also the family’s encourager, advisor, prayer warrior. Whether it was preparing family gatherings, celebrating milestones, or simply spending time together, Barbara treasured every moment with those she loved. Her laughter filled every room, her wisdom comforted many hearts, and her generosity knew no limits. Surrounded by the love of her family, Barbara peacefully transitioned from laborer to reward on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Although our hearts are broken, we rejoice knowing she finished her earthly assignment and entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior. Cherishing Her Legacy Barbara was preceded in death by her devoted companion of 31 years, Raymond Epps; her beloved son, Cleophus (Cle) Richardson; her father, Walter Richardson; her siblings, Charles Richardson, Vanessa Maddox, Danny Richardson, and Dolores Richardson; her aunts, Annie Pruitt, Evelyn Willis, Lillie Ruth, and Helen Wilkes; her uncles, Archie Poindexter and John Spann;(Hattie) and her dear friend, Ruth Neely. She leaves to forever cherish her memory her loving mother, Mother Willie Florence Richardson; her devoted daughters, Yolanda Raymond (Jamel) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Latoya Jackson (Thomas) of Chicago, Illinois; her stepchildren, Raymond Epps Jr. and Dwayne Epps; her cherished siblings, Larry (Pam), Dino (Donna), Debra (Harold), Damarcus (Lasequal), and Steven, all of Chicago Illinois, and her aunt Hazel Jean of Alabama. Barbara also leaves behind 13 cherished grandchildren, Lacresha, Melvon, Walter, Shantae, Sharelle, Latoya, Destanie, Thomeasha, Elise, Elizabeth, Erica, Jamel, Angela(who she loved as her own) 10 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life. She is also lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, neighbors, and friends whose lives were forever touched by her kindness and unwavering love. She shared a special bond with her beloved cousins Jean and Darlene of Chicago, Illinois, and Janice Pruitt of Minnesota. Barbara also leaves behind her lifelong friend and sister in love, Mary Bradley of Indianapolis, Indiana. She treasured the friendships she shared with Evelyn and Bobby Williams of Chicago, Illinois, and her beloved goddaughter, Tiffany Chatfield of Chicago, Illinois, who held a very special place in her heart. Those who knew Barbara knew they could always depend on her encouraging words, thoughtful advice, beautiful smile, creative spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. Though she is no longer with us in body, her love, wisdom, faith, and memories will live forever in our hearts. Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. — Matthew 25:23

Barbara Richardson

October 13, 1953 - July 11, 2026

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Barbara Richardson

October 13, 1953 - July 11, 2026

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365 Days of Grief Support