Phoebe Roberts Richards

Phoebe Roberts Richards, born Ophelia Mae Roberts on February 20, 1940, in Washington, DC, was the daughter of Viola Hayes and Herman Roberts. She was raised by her loving adoptive mother, Sadie Jackson, and her husband, Mr. Jackson, alongside her dear cousin, Patricia Tompkins (Clarke). Phoebe's childhood was characterized by her quiet nature and vivid imagination. She found joy in games like hopscotch, kickball, jump-rope, and riding her bicycle.

Growing up in the era of segregation in the LeDroit Park neighborhood of Northwest Washington, D.C., Phoebe attended DC public schools. Her intelligence shone brightly, and she even skipped a grade due to her excellence. She received a wonderful education and developed lifelong friendships, graduating from the renowned Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in 1957. Phoebe pursued higher education at Howard University, though she left school early to assist her parents as their health declined. Nevertheless, she cherished the value of the education she had received which planted in her a seed of mentoring that she’d later lovingly offer to youth who benefited from her nurturing guidance.

In 1970, Phoebe married Herman D. Richards, Jr., and was loved by the many relatives she gained. They welcomed their daughter, Lisa Michelle, on June 26, 1975. Phoebe treasured the role of being Lisa’s mother and found immense happiness in it. She worked as a Grants Management Specialist for the US Government, retiring on medical disability in 1989 from the Department of Health and Human Services. Just before retiring, Phoebe met her birth mother, Viola, and other members of her birth family. Meeting her three biological siblings — Emmet Roberts (deceased), Delores Talley, and Thelma Eubanks (deceased) — and their families gave her a welcomed sense of belonging and connectedness.

Phoebe returned to working, but mostly part-time. Her flexibility in employment allowed her the time to be joyfully hands-on in raising Lisa, fostering an incredibly profound love. The bond between Phoebe and Lisa transcended the traditional mother-daughter relationship. Often mistaken for sisters or best friends, they shared an extraordinary connection that astonished many. Whether it was a dance performance, speech competition, or anything Lisa was passionate about, Phoebe was there cheering her on. Phoebe's gift was her unwavering belief in Lisa's potential, instilling in her the confidence to pursue her dreams. Phoebe's ability to inspire and uplift extended to those fortunate to know her, and especially to Lisa’s friends. With her warm, classy and friendly nature, she connected with others effortlessly, always offering words of encouragement.

Once Lisa left for college and embarked on her own journey, Phoebe immersed herself in her love for football and all sports, straight-ahead jazz music, travel, and cherished friendships from her high school years. Over the years, Phoebe formed new relationships with equally remarkable individuals. When Lisa returned to Washington and married David in 2008, Phoebe was delighted to have in David the son she always wanted. Soon after, she became a grandmother as Lisa and David welcomed sons, Chase and Rhys, and she was a loving step-grandparent to Dominic. With all “her boys,” Phoebe's joy multiplied tenfold. She adored her grandsons and embraced the name "BeBe" affectionately given to her by Chase.

In 2020, as Phoebe's dementia worsened and she required more care, she resided at Oak Street Retreat, where she found comfort and made memories until her peaceful passing on January 6, 2024.

Phoebe leaves behind her cherished daughter, Lisa, devoted son-in-law David, her two beloved grandsons, Chase and Rhys, loving sister Delores, and sister-cousin Patricia “Pat.” She will be deeply missed by her family and a vast circle of friends and relatives whose lives she touched with love, warmth, and kindness.