Eula Mae Richardson

With profound sadness, the family of Eula Mae Richardson announces her peaceful passing on May 21, 2025, following a brief period of hospice care at the Adelphi House in Adelphi, Maryland.

Born Eula Mae Wright on May 4, 1929, in Santee (Vance), South Carolina, she was the beloved daughter of Fred Sr. and Marie Jamison Wright and the youngest of three siblings: Fred Wright Jr. and Jessie Bell Wright Fuller.

At the age of 11, Eula moved to Washington, D.C., to live with her cousin, Blanche. As a teenager, she balanced work with her education, attending night classes at Armstrong School in Northwest D.C. She later met and married the love of her life, Charley Edward Richardson, on May 29, 1950. Together, they raised five children: Valerie Juanita, Gaynell Elizabeth, Anthony Victor, Karen Janet, and Vanessa Athena.

Eula was a devoted homemaker who found joy in cooking for her family, traveling, hosting gatherings, and celebrating special occasions. She dedicated her life to Christ and worshipped at Springfield Baptist Church in Northwest D.C., where she and Charley were faithful members for over a decade.

She built a successful career in the Federal Government at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), working her way up from housekeeping to Research Laboratory Aide through hard work and dedication. After 30 years of service, she retired at the age of 55. In retirement, Eula actively served in her church, participating in the choir, ushering, and engaging in various church activities. She also enjoyed shopping, especially for clothing and accessories, and spending time with loved ones.

In the early 1990s, after Charley’s retirement, they relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, where they became respected members of the community, investing in real estate and contributing to local causes for nearly 20 years. Their devotion to their faith continued at First Baptist Missionary Church in downtown Wilmington. After Charley's passing in 2008, Eula returned to Washington, D.C., at the urging of her son Anthony, where she reunited with her immediate family.

Back in Washington D.C., Eula resided with Anthony and his wife, Greta, as well as in senior living facilities such as Jericho Residences in Landover, Maryland, and Rainier Manor in Mount Rainier, Maryland. In her later years, she continued to express her deep faith by reading her Bible daily, listening to gospel music, and watching her favorite evangelist, T.D. Jakes. She became a cherished member of First Church of Christ Holiness, USA, in Northeast D.C., and enjoyed fellowship at Zion Baptist Church in

Northwest D.C. She remained active, attending an adult daycare center five times a week and taking walks in the park with her best friend, Eldora Robinson.

Eula was in good health until she suddenly fell ill on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. She was hospitalized and endured a challenging journey between hospitals and a nursing home before entering hospice care. She transitioned peacefully, with a smile on her face, two weeks later.

She is survived by her loving children: Gaynell Mayo (Howard), Anthony Richardson (Greta), Karen Janet Scurry, and Vanessa Richardson; 11 grandchildren: Judownne Scurry, Terri Scurry, Lakesa Mayo, Kaneia Mayo Crumlin (Chandler), Aysia Mayo Thrasher (Charles), Alana Mayo, Valencia Patterson, Giselle Richardson, Victor Richardson, Connor Maddox, and Jamison Maddox; 9 great-grandchildren: Shanae,

Damani, Damion, Kevion, Brayona, Anisa, Selah, Britton, Elle; and 1 great-great-grandchild, Giovanni. She also leaves behind her hanai family: Charles Tracey (Marla) and Mary Yancey (Anthony), as well as family pastors, Keith W. Byrd Sr. (Kimberly) and Ralph A. Martino Sr. (Vondrenna).

Eula was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charley E. Richardson, in October 2008, following 59 years of marriage, and her eldest daughter, Valerie Richardson Patterson, in June 2009.

Her life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.