Love
is LIFE
Charles, I thank God for blessing me to have you in my life as a loving husband for fifty-two years, three months and thirteen days. Life has a funny way of teaching us. It will create deep sadness to help us to truly understand happiness. Life created chaos so that we may appreciate the peaceful times... sometimes challenging, but always a delight... sometimes impulsive but always stable to the core... sometimes simple but always romantic... to show that God would be with us through our ups and downs. I thank God for a good relationship where we could accept each other’s past, support each other’s present; and love each other enough to encourage each other’s future. Love is not a feeling or an emotion that changes timely, but our love is everlasting. Jeremiah 31:3 says, “For long ago the Lord had said to Israel: I have loved you, O my people, with an everlasting love; with lovingkindness I have drawn you to me.” Love is work, for you worked hard as a husband and father to provide for us... even for the church, trying to do God’s will. You informed me a few days ago that maybe you should not tell me that “you felt God was trying to tell you something.” And my response was, “Darling, it is for you!” Now Darling, we know! “Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will have afflictions for 10 days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10). Charles, our love was realizing that every hour, every minute, every second of it was worth it, you will forever be in my heart because, it is God’s Grace that has kept us together. I truly Love You...Geneva
Family Tributes
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Thank you Daddy! I Love You! ~ Sena
z
Daddy, there were so many plans I made for us to do…celebrate my 50th birthday, go vacationing, and having you ride my bike when you & mom come to visit the new house...just to name a few. I didn’t know that God had another planned assignment that only you could do. So, you answered His call, somehow, I knew you would cause surely His plans are far better than mine. So, I’ll just cherish each moment we shared and everything you taught me and I’ll see you on the other side. Love You Forever, Trivonda
z Gran’daddy it’s a sad day for us to see you go. We’re sad that you won’t be here to continue watching us grow. While we know you’ve gained your wings and suffering is no more, we’ll smile and reminisce about the time you took us to the DAM store. Our hearts weren’t ready and they may never be, but we’ll be ok til we meet again cause we know you’re saving our seats! Rest well and know we love you Gran’daddy! ~ THE FIRST FOUR
z Our grandfather was a man who had smiles to brighten your days, who always made you feel good with his warm words of wisdom and praise. Our grandfather was someone who had good stories to tell, but just as importantly he knew how to be a good listener as well. He was patient and kind and the very best person you could hope to meet. He was no ordinary man. And we’re proud to tell people that he was our granddad! ~ Madisyn, Brooklyn & Kaitlyn
z GGPop, we’ll miss you but we’ll keep you in our hearts forever. Please watch over us every day until we meet again. ~Your Great-Grandkids
Obituary
“Teach me, O Lord, the way of the statues; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law: yea I shall observe it with my whole heart.” (Psalms 119: 33-34, KJV) Charles Dean Richmond was born to the late Ashlie and Minnie Pearl Alexander Richmond on August 10, 1945, in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi. He was the eldest of nine children and was preceded in death by his brothers, Ashlie, Jr. and Robert Richmond. He professed Christ at an early age and joined Bullard’s Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Lake Cormorant, MS where he remained until he was called to the ministry under the leadership of Reverend Wesley Massey. Charles attended Delta Center High School in Walls, MS and graduated in May of 1965. In May of 1967, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his time in the military, he attended vocational and trade school. He was honorably discharged May on 24, 1973, with the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Marine Corps Marksmanship Qualification Badge-Rifle Sharpshooter, and the Purple Heart Medal. Charles was united in Holy Matrimony to Geneva Wooten on October 21, 1968, in Nesbit, MS. Four children were born: Sena Carol, Cedric Sedaris, Trivonda LaShauyn and Shaineka Chanta. He worked several jobs before he became self-employed as CEO of C&G Lawn & Janitorial Services. He retired in 2009. Because of his love for music, he was a founding member of the Faithful Stars and the Singing Cavaliers; a member of the Southern Echoes and the Golden Travelers and other groups and a gifted musician who loved to use his gift for the Lord. He answered his calling and was licensed to preach in 1996. He was admitted on trial in the North-East Mississippi Annual Conference in August of 1997. He attended the Interdenominational Theological Center in Holly Springs, MS graduating May 2001. He served as Pastor
of the following CME Churches: Shady Grove, Mt. Gilead, Issac Chapel, Roberts Chapel, Harris Chapel and Mt. Patient (Olive Branch-Sardis District); and Jordan Chapel (Holly Springs-Oxford District.) He was also Jr. Vice Commandant of the Detachment #1078 US Marine Corps League. He departed this life on February 3, 2021, at Methodist Hospital-Olive Branch. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Geneva Richmond; his children: Sena Johnson (Lonnie) of Memphis, TN, Cedric Richmond (Roslyn) of Olive Branch, MS, Trivonda Richmond of Colorado Springs, CO, and Shaineka Abram (Gregory) of Southaven, MS; grandchildren: Dartanyun Johnson Christon Dean Johnson (Drucilla) of Memphis, TN, Madisyn, Brooklyn and Kaitlyn Richmond of Olive Branch, MS; Whitney Smith (Steven) of Colorado Springs, CO; La’Derick Smith of Horn Lake, MS, Gabrielle Abram of Memphis, TN, Kylan, Nigeria, Kaveon and Jacarreon Abram of Southaven, MS; greatgrandchildren: Caiden and Cali Johnson, Kharter Quarles, Israel, Rhiyenne and Xhaidyn Smith, Lyndon and Rhyland Abram and Aaliyah Daugherty. He also leaves his siblings: sister in law Ronnette Richmond of Memphis, TN, Gloria Bowles (Charles) of Nesbit, MS, Tina Richmond of Walls, MS, Alvin Richmond (Paula) of Memphis, TN, Pearlie Hardrick (Nathan) of Nesbit, MS, Adelaide Harris (Elbert) of Walls, MS and Ann Richmond of Colorado Springs, CO; aunts Lizzie Donald of St. Petersburg, FL and Dora Cummings of Earle, AR. Sister and Brother in Laws Emma Martin, Eddie Williams (Dorothy), Linnie Williams, Elizabeth Crowell (David), Dorothy Dixon (Jimmy), Patricia Richardson, Catherine Hall, Barbara Thomas (Randall), Rubie Dandridge (Michael), Henrietta Wooten and Loretta Wooten, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to celebrate his life.
Celebration of Life
Reverend Dr. Clementine Mays, Presiding Elder/Officiant Dr. Benjamin L. Smith, Eulogist
Procession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Reverend Charles D. Richmond Affirmation of Faith: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ His only Son. Our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Curtis Nelson Old Testament Scripture Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend W. M. Massey Beachum Chapel CME Church New Testament Scripture Reading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elder Hugh W. Jones Solo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sister LeVonzell Walker
Reflections:
Mr. Tom Drumm, US Marine Corps League Mr. Jimmy Akins, Family Friend Rev. Gerald Rayborn, Classmate Lee Futrell, Friend Words of Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Bartholomew Orr Senior Pastor, Brown Missionary Baptist Church Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aisha Maxwell Tribute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sena, Cedric, & Trivonda Eulogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Benjamin L. Smith Senior Pastor, Miracle Temple Ministries Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Reverend Charles D. Richmond Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Acknowledgment
We the family of Reverend Charles D. Richmond would like to extend a sincere heartfelt thank you to each of you during our time of bereavement. Your phone calls, text messages, kind & encouraging words, cards, your presence and many prayers have all been truly appreciated. Thank you to Dr. Clementine Mays and Dr. Benjamin L. Smith for your support and a special thank you to Dr. Bartholomew Orr and the Brown Baptist Church family for your kindness to us. Please continue to pray for the Richmond family that God will continue to draw each of us closer to Him. May God bless you! ~ Mrs. Geneva Richmond and the Family of Reverend Charles D. Richmond ~
Honorary Pallbearers
Cedric Richmond Christon Johnson Gregory Abram Dartanyun Johnson
Lonnie Johnson La’Derrick Smith Kylan Abram Kaveon Abram
Active Pallbearers
Ion Richmond Tim Reed Derrick Smith
Ashley Harris Lamont Maxwell Darryl Alexander
Interment
West TN State Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forrest Hill Irene Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Arrangements Entrusted To Henderson Funeral Home 2746 S. Panola Street Hernando, Mississippi 38632