A Celebration for the Life of

Aretha Richardson

I would like to give a brief description of a woman as well as introduce to you a lady who is organized, caring, hardworking, punctual, down to earth, helps when needed, sticks to her word, "no" means "no" and loves "her GOD".  She was born in a small town in Black Mountain, NC and this town is truly in the mountains. She was born April 3, 1930, and is the third oldest born of eight children.  Because the family was rather large this particular sibling has always cared for the well-being of her family.  She made sure everyone was okay including some of the folks that weren't in the family, because they lived there in the household.  She always says, in everything you do put GOD first, live right, do ALL things in order and be on time.  She always committed herself to loving her GOD, and her family… in that order.

At an early age she was baptized and participated in the many events at the family church serving her GOD.  In her early years she decided to move up north, found employment and worked for many years at The Homestead Hotel on Hinman Ave. in Evanston and joined several churches, Springfield Baptist Church and Ebenezer AME Church as she continued to serve her GOD. Later she married had children raised her family and worked at Baxter Laboratory until she retired.

March 1984, she joined Friendship Baptist Church. Again, she worked in the church with the food program serving the community, assistant food coordinator with (Nanny) Lilly Shelby. She was the janitor for a number of years and kept a watchful eye as the New Friendship Baptist Church was being built. (Nanny) Lilly Shelby didn't ask her if she would be a trustee, she told her she was going to be a trustee.  So, she came home and told the family she was given strict orders by (Nanny) and she said she couldn't say NO, so she served as a Trustee for a number of years until she decided it was time to step down.

This wonderful lady loves Friendship Church and her Pastor. She loves to travel especially her mini trips she takes at least once a month, but she's usually always back in time for Sunday school and Service; she really doesn't like missing church service.

This woman that I'm talking about to me she's phenomenal, brave, full of life, will set you straight (out of love), understanding, has style, loves to hug folks the ones she knows or don't know and loves GOD, she's just the best!

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons and one daughter. Terry Lee Daniel of Evanston IL; Rita Y. Shelby (Verlon), Evanston, IL & Nathaniel Richardson, Jr. (Hazel) Long Beach, CA; six grandchildren, LaTanya, Donald, Nathaniel III, Christopher, Jonathan; three great grandchildren; one sister Betty Washington of Evanston; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.

She was preceded in death by both parents and siblings. Eunice Logan, Lorea Griffin, Jerry Daniel Jr, Charles Daniel, Russ Daniel and Mary Stepp.