Christopher Lee Richardson, Sr.

~ Acknowledgements ~

The family of Christopher Lee Richardson, Sr. would like to express our gratitude for the many acts of kindness extended to us during the illness and demise of our loved one. Your uplifting words, unrelenting support, and fervent prayers have given us the strength to praise God in all circumstances. The family offers special thanks to the members of the Family and Friends Prayer Line, the St. Stephen’s Intercessory Team, and our beloved Atlanta adopted family, including the Abrams, Beasley, Butler, Carnegie, Chandler, Dorsey, Latimer, and Phillips families. We also thank Almighty God for Dr. C. J . Bryant and the Vollintine Baptist Church for providing love, compassion and support to our family through four generations.

~The Family

~ Honorary Pallbearers ~

Kenneth R. Carnegie, III Leonard Jones, Jr.

Omar J. Dorsey Kelton Rucker

~ Active Pallbearers ~

Frederick Kelly Gaston Jones

Willie E. Richardson, Jr.

Antonio Jones

Darrell Mohead Derrick Woodard

~ Committal Rites & Interment ~

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 • 2:00 P.M.

West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery

4000 Forest Hill-Irene Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38125

Remembering Christopher L. Richardson, Sr.

On October 1, 1973, in Memphis, Tennessee, a seed planted by the late Willie Kizzie blossomed and burst into life. This precious soul was 7 lbs. 4oz. Christopher Lee Richardson. From that day until his dying day, Chris’ life was nurtured, cultivated, and supported by his huge, loving family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and most importantly, his loving parents, Osker and Mary Mohead.

Chris’s early years were spent in Memphis, TN, where his spiritual journey began. His mother felt a mixture of shock and pride as her precocious 8-yearold boldly stepped forward when the late W. M. Fields, Jr. opened the doors of the Vollintine Baptist Church. A few years later, he moved to Decatur, GA, where he and his family joined the Greenforest Baptist Church. His parents reared him in a Christian environment where he was exposed to travel, cultural activities, and lots of love.

Chris was educated in the Memphis City and Dekalb County School Districts. He was a 1992 graduate of Columbia High School in Decatur, GA. After joining the U.S. Army in 1993 and completing his tour of duty, Chris returned to his hometown of Memphis, TN. He worked as a Security Officer for many years until his health failed, and he became a disabled U.S. Veteran.

Chris’ commitment to fatherhood and family was phenomenal. In 1998, the Court awarded him primary custody of his 2-year-old daughter, Chasity. With the help of his aunt, Jessie Jones, Chris reared her as a single parent. He performed whatever duties that were needed, including combing her hair. Chasity was daddy’s girl and daddy’s heart. After Chris and his ex-wife, Alexis, divorced, they amicably shared custody of their son, Christopher, Jr., affectionately called C.J. Chris was C.J.’s best friend, confidante, and real-life superhero. C. J. idolized his dad and spent the last two years living exclusively with him. Chris shared an unbreakable bond with his kids, forged with unconditional love, mutual respect, and open communication. They spent numerous hours together with their father, watching movies, playing video games, listening to classic R&B music, and talking about life.

Additionally, family members and friends often called on Chris for help, whether they needed financial, emotional, or physical support. Once, when his ill grandmother needed a ride to her medical appointment, he took the day off work and, subsequently, was fired. (She never knew.) In fact, before their deaths, much of his time was dedicated to helping his mother and her siblings take care of his grandparents, the late Annie and Gaston Richardson. He showed immense love for all of his family. Never did he complain nor shirk his parental or familial obligations.

Although Christopher had been battling health issues for the past 13 years, his faith rarely faltered. This past year, however, was particularly challenging as he dealt with constant sickness/pain and endured numerous hospital stays. Yet, interspersed with the pain were some truly joyful times. In June 2023, he threw his mom a surprise 70th Birthday Party at the Starlight Event Center in Memphis. He planned the event himself and surprised her with the attendance of family and friends from several states. What an amazing time! Next, Chris, his kids, and other family gathered at his parents’ home in Ellenwood, GA, to celebrate Thanksgiving. It was good food, good folks, and good times. However, the highlight of the visit occurred the next day when his three best childhood friends – Ronnie, Omar, and Kelton - came by to visit. Several years had passed since they had seen each other, but it was just like old times. Finally, on May 21, 2024, Chris witnessed his youngest child, C.J., graduate from high school. The family celebrated for a week! What an awesome and merciful God we serve.

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the Veterans Hospital, God discharged His servant from battle. Christopher Lee Richardson, Sr. transitioned into eternity, and his earthly story ended. He leaves to share his story three cherished children, Chasity, Daronita, and Christopher, Jr.; devoted parents, Osker and Mary Mohead (Ellenwood, GA); a caring sister, Pamela Johnson-Farley (Deandre); 2 loving aunts, Jessie Jones and Suzette Richardson: 4 sister-cousins, Candance Wallace, Tonya Richardson, Tiffany Lowery (Anthony), Jelisa McGhee : 3 brother-cousins, Willie E. Richardson, Jr., Gaston Jones (Tameka), Antonio Jones (Newnan, GA): and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Family Reflections

(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)

Cousin - Mr. Antonio Jones

Cousin - Mrs. Alice Stephens

Family Friend - Mrs. Lillie Carnegie

Family Friend - Mrs. Naomi Dorsey

Instrumental Selection.............................................Mr. Claude Hampton

Words of Comfort..........................................................Mrs. Julia Abrams

Acknowledgements..........................................................Ms. Jessie Jones

Musical Selection.......................................................Mrs. Mary Williams

Eulogy..........................................................................Dr. C.J. Bryant, III Recessional

The family will gather together in celebration with Chris for the final time on June 25, 2024 – the date of his interment and his mother’s 71st birthday. The circle is complete. To some, his life seems simple and unremarkable. Yet, no one has ever been loved more and whose memory will be cherished more than his! Our tongues are exalting words of Thanksgiving for our limited time with him. “We lift our hands in total praise!”

Repast will be immediately after services at the St. Stephens Baptist Church Family Life Center, 4245 Singleton Parkway, Memphis, Tennessee 38128