JONATHAN DEWAYNE RICHMOND
AUGUST 27, 1974- JANUARY 1, 2025
AGED: 50 Years
SERVICE HELD AT:
Greater Community Temple COGIC 5151 Winchester Road Memphis, TN 38118
SATURDAY JANUARY 11, 2025
Public Viewing 10:00 a.m. Service 11:00 a.m.
HOST PASTOR
Bishop Brandon B. Porter, Sr.
OFFICIATING
Pastor Lee Brown, Jr. (Fredonia Baptist Church)
Jonathan Dewayne Richmond was born on August 27, 1974, to Roscoe Teal Richmond Jr. and the late Barbara Richmond. Coming from a spiritually and musically gifted family, Jonathan exhibited extraordinary talent from an early age. He taught himself to play the organ by observing his older brother, Kevin, and developed a keen intellect—fostered by an unconventional discipline: whenever he misbehaved, he was tasked with reading encyclopedias. This method may have been punishment, but it nurtured his intelligence, and unfortunately for Jonathan, it became a frequent activity! At the age of 12, he played his first public event: a wedding, where he was asked to fill in as the musician.
Raised in the church, Jonathan spent his teenage years honing his skills as a drummer at his family’s home church, Divine Temple COGIC. While attending Memphis City Alternative School, a teacher heard him playing the piano in the auditorium and became his mentor. This teacher introduced him to the male gospel group Provision, where Jonathan served as both keyboardist and singer—further shaping his musical journey. He later moved to Fredonia Baptist Church in Stanton, TN, where he served as the organist under Pastor Lee I. Brown Jr. Jonathan’s talent continued to flourish as he joined Greater Community Temple COGIC, under the leadership of Bishop Brandon B. Porter, where he became the Music Director, Praise and Worship Leader, as well as a versatile musician playing keyboard, organ, and bass guitar.
It was during his time at Leech Family Restaurant, frequenting with Bishop Porter, that Jonathan met the woman who would become his soulmate. Sylvia Hardaway, a beautiful waitress, captivated Jonathan and over the course of three years their relationship blossomed. On May 3, 1997, Jonathan and Sylvia were united in marriage, a bond that would last for over 30 years, 27 of which were spent in matrimony, until his passing on January 1, 2025.
Jonathan’s professional music career began to take shape under the mentorship of David Porter, who gave him
access to a major recording studio. From there, Jonathan toured with legendary R&B and soul artists, including J. Blackfoot and Shirley Brown. In the early 2000s, he took on the role of Music Director at the iconic B.B. King’s on Beale Street in downtown Memphis, performing every weekend for tourists from around the world. During this time, he also formed a band, Ty Brown, with fellow musicians, and gained recognition for his abilities as a singer, songwriter, and producer. His first significant production project came when he wrote and produced an album for the gospel group 4Given. The project caught the attention of renowned soul artist Angie Stone, who was so impressed with Jonathan’s work that she became his mentor. Angie Stone helped Jonathan break into the international music scene, guiding him as he signed his first major production deal and contributed to two of her albums. Together, they wrote for a variety of artists, including Toshi Kubota from Japan, as well as the Stevie Wonder tribute album and Warren Campbell.
Jonathan’s career highlights include an eight-year tenure as the Musical Director for Angie Stone (2001–2009). By the time of his passing, Jonathan had achieved even greater success, serving as Musical Director, keyboardist, and vocalist for Grammynominated artist Eric Benet. He also played keyboard and provided vocals for Grammy-nominated smooth jazz artist Boney James. One of his greatest achievements came in 2017 when he
won a Grammy Award for his contributions as a producer and writer for Lalah Hathaway’s This Is Your Life live recording. Jonathan also won a Stellar Award for producing and co-writing Anointed by God’s album, Anointed by God. His expertise in live performances, show arrangements, and record productions made him an in-demand talent in the music industry.
Jonathan was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Barbara Richmond, and his sister, Shelia Wright (Christopher). He leaves behind his devoted wife, Sylvia Richmond; his father, Roscoe T. Richmond (Helen) of Stone Mountain, GA; his loving grandmother, Helen Gray of Blue Mountain, MS; and six siblings: Aleta Ingram of Marion, AR, Kevin Sharp of Houston, TX, Merkia Gaston of Memphis, TN, Timothy Richmond and Darius Richmond (Brittany) of Hope, AR, and Demetrius Richmond (Krissy) of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his father and mother-in-love, Larry and Dr. Shirley Hardaway; 10 brothers and sisters-in-love, Larry Hardaway Jr., Salina Afoaquah, Lacy Hardaway (Shahona), Stacy Hardaway, Special Hardaway, Leslie Hardaway, Shirley E. Hardaway, and Shereka Hardaway, all of Memphis, TN; Sophia Bowman (Dennis) of Horn Lake, MS; and Lionel Hardaway (Dr. Kori Hardaway) of Johns Creek, GA. Additionally, Jonathan leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends, including a close friend Michael Anthony Taylor, President and Founder of Dare Records.
JONATHAN RICHMOND
MUSICAL COLLABORATIONS
Conception: An Interpretation of Stevie Wonder’s Songs, Producer
GCT: COGIC, Organist & Musical Director
Greatest Hits Live [CD & DVD], Angie Stone, Producer, Piano, Piano (Electric), Drum Programming,Vocals (Background)
Life Goes On, Angie Stone, Composer
Lucretia Sharp & The Levites, Organist
O’Landa Draper and Associates- Organist
Provision- Keyboardist, Vocalist
Spur of the Moment, N2Deep Group, Vocals, Keys, and Producer
Stone Hits: The Very Best of Angie Stone, Angie Stone
Producer, Piano, Keyboards, Drum Programming, Vocals (Background), Composer
Stone Love, Angie Stone, Producer, Vocals, Vocals (Background), Composer
The Art of Love & War, Angie Stone, Producer, Main Personnel, Instrumentation
Time to Share, Toshi Kubota, Producer, Programming, Vocals (Background), Instrumentation
Voices of the House Church Choir, Organist
SONG CREDITS
Baby, Anthony Crawford, Hydro 6 Records
Beating Of My Heart, Toshi, Sony Urban Music, Epic
Broke, Beat & Busted, Eric Benét, BMG, Primary Wave Tunes, Jordan House
Hold Me Down, Toshi, Epic Sony Urban Music
If You Want To, Lalah Hathaway, Stax
Long Story Short, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Provogue
Maybe, Angie Stone, Stax
More Than a Picture, Calvin Richardson, BMG, Primary Wave Tunes, Jordan House
News For You, Eric Benét, Primary Wave Records, Jordan House
News For You, Jaki Graham, JNT Music
Shadows Of Your Love, Toshi, Epic, Sony Urban Music
Slide, Boney James, Concord Records
Stay For a While, Angie Stone Featuring Anthony Hamilton, J Records
Stone Hits (The Very Best of Angie Stone), Angie Stone, J Records, DeVox
Stoned Love (Intro), Angie Stone, J Records BMG
Take Everything In, Angie Stone, Stax
Take Everything In Various, Soul’d Out! Sampler Volume 2, Concord Music Group, Inc.
This Is Your Life, Lalah Hathaway, eOne Hathaway Entertainment
Where It All Begins, Lalah Hathaway, Stax
You Will Know Various, Conception (An Interpretation of Stevie Wonder’s Songs), Motown
ORDER OF SERVICE
Receiving of the Guest Artists
“Create In Me” song by Jonathan Richmond
Minister John Cochran (Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church)
OLD TESTAMENT READING | Isiah Burns (Jon’s Barber & Dear Friend)
AMENT READING | Minister Celeste Williams (Dear Friend)
READING OF THE OBITUARY
(Medley) Songs written & produced by Jonathan Richmond
2 MINUTES
Angie Stone (Artist & Best Friend)
Eric Benet (Artist & Beloved Friend)
Michael Anthony Taylor (President Dare Records and Best Friend)
David Porter (Writer & Producer)
Wesley McVicker, Afton Johnson, Phillip Hill Jr. (Eric Benet Band Members)
Mike “Big Mike” Hart & Dewayne “Smitty” Smith (Boney James Band Members)
The Jonathan Richmond Celebration Choir
Presentation of Proclamation Councilwomen Pearl Walker (Memphis, TN)
WORDS OF EXPRESSIONS: 2 MINUTES
Pastor Everett McBee (360 Worship Center)
Bishop Brandon Porter, Sr. (Greater Community Temple COGIC (virtual))
Larry L Hardaway, Sr. (Father-in-law)
Dr. Loretta Jackson-Hayes (Second Baptist Missionary Baptist Church)
Shontelle Norman-Beatty “Jesus Will Fix It (Trouble In My Way)”
Written & Produced by Jonathan Richmond
Brittany & Brianna Brown (Nieces)
Donald Hayes (Saxophonist)
Pastor Eric Lee (St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church)
The Jonathan Richmond Celebration Choir
HIS LEGACY
My Beloved, Husband, Lover & Friend Jonathan Dewayne Richmond, you are the love of my life. I was 20 and you were 19 years old when we met. At very young ages we figured out how to navigate high winds, terrible storms, bright sunshines, love and joy. We suffered and mourned the losses of losing our unborn babies together; all while keeping and protecting each other on the path to healing.
With each struggle we found our way back to laughing, joking, traveling the world, and rekindling our love. As I look ahead at this new road map that I must navigate alone, I don’t like it at all. I am short of breath, my heart aches and longs for you. Through tears and prayers I will seek God’s guidance on how to protect your legacy.
We shared 30 years together and laughed everyday. We have had so much fun together. I desire another 30 years, but God’s plan was different. Jonathan, my sweetheart, I love You, I honor and Respect you. May you rest in love and sweet peace.
My BaeBae
A TRIBUTE TO MY SON
I’m Still processing the loss of my dear son. It’s hard to believe that you were the one To depart so soon in the prime of your life, leaving behind your parents, siblings and wife!
What will I do to deal with the pain? I ponder this question, but it seems in vain. I cry out to God, please hear my prayer. Tell me what to do for I know that you care.
Your God-given talents were shared with so many. Talents so great, even worthy of a Grammy! If anyone had the privilege to hear you sing or play, wonderful and amazing are words they would say!
Your path was set before you were born; you began to rise and your genius blossomed before my eyes. You could take a simple chord progression and make it into a masterpiece; and when finished, it was amazingly sweet!
Your music took all of our ears to beautiful places, which was shown by the smiles and looks on our faces. Your rich legacy will go on forever. Your memories won’t fade, no no never!
Let’s cherish the time that we had with him; for he is truly one of God’s precious gems. My love for you will grow and grow; all these things said, I want you to know!
Love, Roscoe Richmond (Your Father) & Helen Carter Richmond (Spouse)
DEAR UNCLE WAYNE,
I don’t even know where to start. Losing you feels like losing a piece of my heart. You’ve always been such a big part of my life, and I’m struggling to imagine the world without you in it. You weren’t just my uncle; you were the person I could always count on to listen, give advice, and make me laugh. Your humor made even the heaviest moments lighter, and I’m so grateful for all the laughter we shared. But it wasn’t just laughs, I always felt like I could talk to you about anything. You always knew how to lift me up or give me advice without ever making me feel judged. Thank you for the support, memories, and for loving me unconditionally. I’ll carry them with me always. You’ve left a lasting impact on my life and a mark on my heart that will never fade. I love you, Uncle Wayne, and I’ll miss you. Rest in peace, knowing you’ve touched so many lives, especially mine.
Forever in my heart, Trenecia ‘Trecy’ Houston
From childhood, you were gifted—mischievous at times, but your genius was undeniable. Your intellect was shaped by challenges, as you read encyclopedias to expand your mind. A born leader, you inspired those around you, and your brothers followed your example. Your musical talent, a true gift from God, flowed through your hands, allowing you to play any instrument with ease, creating sounds that the world would come to cherish.
Though our loving brother was taken from us too soon, the music, the legacy, and the name you leave behind will live on forever. We are incredibly proud of all you became. Your influence will never be forgotten, and we carry you with us in every note, every memory. We love and miss you dearly.
Your Loving Siblings
When I was little, my now brotherlove, Jonathan used to come pick me up so I could get a couple days without getting a whopping. The first thing he would say when I got in the car was, “aye mane you must like getting yo head beat in” lol . After a day or two of terrorizing him, he would call my sister to tell her to come on get Lionel, send him on back home. He would have my big sister Sylvia rolling on the floor laughing. We love you Jon. RIP my Dear Brother in-love- Lionel
Jonathan Richmond was the main ingredient in my crew. I call him the “main ingredient” for two reasons. The first reason is that he played the keys with a swag that I loved. It was the formula that shaped my career—it was the feel, the vibe, and ultimately the soul that drove us. The second reason I called him the “main ingredient” was because he always said, “Mane, you can do this! Mane, you can do that!” ��. It was his natural gift—his belief in me.
Thank you, Jon Rich, for a lifetime of memories, laughter, and magical songs. Thank you for the years of loyalty and the true love of the gift we shared.
Angie Stone
The JBR Creative Group family mourns the loss of Jon Rych—a producer, Grammy Award-winner, and a true cornerstone of our musical journey. Jon was more than a keyboardist; he was a selfless friend, a nurturing mentor, and a source of infinite wisdom and guidance.
For 15 years, Jon and Eric Benet toured the world, creating and performing unforgettable music together. His knowledge, talent, and spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to work with him.
Rest in power, Jon. Your music and your legacy will live on forever in our hearts
The true legacy of a musician lies not only in the records left behind but in the imprints of integrity and our interactions with others that continue to resonate and inspire. A musician’s talent makes them a star, but how they treat others that makes them a legend. Once the curtain falls on the stage of music and song, it is not the echoes of our talents, but the legacy of our character…RIP
JRich
Greg Collier
- The Eric Benet Band
Man my heart hurts real bad right now!!!! Real bad! my brother Jonathan Richmond is gone Not the way I wanted to start off 2025! More than a band mate but a brother for real! Anyone blessed enough to share the stage studio or laughs over some Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey with him and experience his gift was truly blessed! Love you bortha! My dawg #JRych ! Please pray for his family and lift his wife Sylvia up please! God we need you right now and thank you for letting me travel the world and share stages with this amazing talented man! #RIP #JonathanRichmond
- The Boney James Band
MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE
We, the family extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the many friends and family for each and every act of kindness shown to us during this most difficult time. Your prayers, visits, calls, messages and well wishes will always be remembered.
We Sincerely Thank Everyone of You.
The Family
ACTIVE PALLBEARERS
Kevin Sharp
Darius Richmond
Demetrius Richmond
Tim Richmond
Lacy Hardaway
Leslie Hardaway
M. J. Edwards Funeral Home 1165 Airways Blvd Memphis, TN 38114
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Gregory Sharp
Wesley McVicker
Marcus Sharp
Sijuwola Crawford
Larry Springfield
Kendrick Jackson
Bentwagn Crain
Afton Johnson
Derrick Willaims
Lionel Hardaway
Thomas Tipton
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665) Mobile: (242) 818-3478
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