Orcean Richards

Our mother Orcean Everett Richards was born in Benton County of Holly Springs, MS. To the late John Thomas and Jennie Everett on May 12, 1933 being the eldest child of 14 children. Mom and Dad have known each other since childhood, then later were joined in holy matrimony at the age of 22 and 23 on July 3, 1955, the same day Dad arrived home from serving active duty in the Army. They were headed to Tucson Arizona, where there were better employment opportunities for African Americans. Our grandfather Sutton Sr., asked Dad and Mom to stop in Columbus, Ohio to check on his brother Joe Matthew. It was at this moment Uncle Joe had found Sutton Jr. a chance to begin his career in the mechanic industry. Shortly after, Mom was hired on at Children's Hospital until their first child was born. From this union of 62 years, came us: Sharon, Mark, Jennie, Linda and Cathy. Shortly after making Columbus, Ohio their home in the early 1960's, they joined Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Robert A. Myers. Until dad accepted his leadership as pastor of First Mt Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in May of 1979. Mom is an amazing and talented woman. Skilled musically, Mom taught herself how to play the piano and she even learned to play songs (The Caravans, Clara Ward Singers, to name a few) by ear. Mom was a musician for many churches and variety of choirs, she provided music for children's, teen and senior choirs. Mom often sang with Dad, a gospel group called the Shining Light, and alongside her best friend Susie Crawford-Carson, whom inspired mom. Mom was so inspired that she felt confident enough to teach her kids to sing as a family. The Richards Family was born. A servant heart with so much passion in what she enjoyed doing, most of all allowing the Holy Spirit to guide her in her life. She took this calling seriously, encouraging anyone that came into her path. Mom was always a powerhouse, and advocate for Jesus and because of her love for Christ, nothing could break the bond of her faith in Him. Satan loss, Heavens gain. Preceded mommy in death, her parents John Thomas and Jennie Everett, brothers Freddie Thomas and William Lee Everett, sisters Addie Everett-Love, Sadie King and great-grandson Seth Clayborn. Mommy leaves to cherish her legacy husband Pastor Sutton Richards Jr; son, Mark(Menbere)Richards; daughters, Linda(Keith) Brown, Cathy Harris, Rev. Sharon Clayborn and Minister Jennie Richards-Price all of Columbus, Ohio; sisters, Jean (John) McCoy, Lorie(Eddie) Roquemore; and in-laws, Charles King, Lester Love, Mary Longs, and Delphane Reliford. Our mother was a proud grandmother of 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She also leaves to celebrate her legacy a host of nieces and nephews and friends.