Catherine Richardson

Catherine Richardson, Beloved Matriarch, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025 at the age of 91. Born on February 10, 1933, in Newnan, Georgia, to Amber Barber and Pearlie Mae (Wood) Barber she spent seven decades as a resident of Dayton, Ohio.

One of sixteen siblings, Catherine ventured to Dayton to join her sisters and embark on a new chapter. She was a woman of deep faith, and devotion to God. She was a founding member of the Omega Baptist Church. She was a dedicated member of a few ministries at Omega, including various Bible Studies, the usher board, and the church choir even though she considered herself a shy singer. Her desire to fully participate in worship was a testament to her unwavering faith. On Sunday mornings you could find Catherine studying the songs for that morning's service from the recorded playback she captured on her little tape recorder.

Her kind, sweet, and quiet nature made her a natural caregiver. She found joy in serving others, particularly through the art of cooking and feeding those she loved. One of her top dishes was fried chicken. Neighbors would smell the aroma of the chicken in the air and come running! She never turned a rumbling belly away. Catherine had a way to calm even the fussiest baby.  Countless children were soothed in her arms, lulled by the gentle rhythm of her whispering softly the song “Hush Little Baby”.  Even the fussiest adult has been calmed by her sweet hugs and caring touch. Momma (as she is affectionately known by her children, grand and great grandchildren) knew how to care for those who needed a loving presence.

Catherine was a hard worker. For over 30 years, Catherine dedicated her professional life to serving veterans as a nurse at the Dayton Veterans Affairs Hospital. She found great pride in her work and made sure she maintained a strong work ethic. Her punctuality was legendary; she was always on time, a testament to her discipline and respect for others.

Above all, Catherine cherished her family. She was always encouraging, expressing immense pride in their accomplishments. The moments when she beamed the most was when everyone was together laughing and eating in her kitchen room during any family celebration or holiday. She often offered prayers for her family ranging from traveling mercies to passing a math test to thanksgiving for what God had done. Momma always knew that God was the ultimate provider, healer, protector, and sustainer. She instilled in her family that with God all things are possible. Whenever there was a challenge or problem, she could be heard saying, “Don’t forget to put God first. He will take care of you”.

In the last chapter of her life, Catherine didn’t waiver from who she was. She fought the good fight until the very end. Even as her memory faded, she never stopped praising God and telling her family that she loved them. We know that through it all she indeed put God first and God indeed took care of her.

Catherine is preceded in death by her husband, Louis Richardson; her son Louis Edward Richardson; daughter, Carol Hinesman; parents Amber Barber and Pearlie Mae Barber; siblings, Maedeen Williams, Corrine Sims, Gus Johnson, Charlie Barber, Pearlie Mae Vaughn, Lucille Montgomery, Lillie Mae Hill, Alivia Hall, Raleigh Barber, Gussie Mae Callaway, Bill Barber, L.E. Smith and A.W. Smith.

She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Cynthia Collier (David) and Annette Hardin (Steve); and sisters, Evalena Helms, Ruby Kate Heard and Florrie Hill; granddaughters LaDonna Worsley (Oshua, Nate, Layla, Maya), Aqueelah Ligonde (Mike), Ameka Hardin, Anesha Hinesman (Kingston), Alesha Jolly (Marshay), Akesha Hoyte (Hayden, Brooklyn, JuLeah, Kalin, Kaiden, Kendrick, Keilee); grandson Jabari (Saudia, Jamir, Rayne, Dujuan, Janiya, Willow), and an abundance of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and numerous others whom she loved dearly. 

Funeral service 11 am Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Omega Baptist Church, 1821 Emerson Ave., Dayton, OH. Visitation 10 am- 11 am at which time family will receive friends. Interment Woodland Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

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