Mother Ola B. Richardson

Mother Ola Bernice Richardson was born to the Deacon Clifton Johnson, Sr. and wife, Versie Mae Johnson on December 31, 1947. Ola B, as she was affectionately called by her family and friends, was the oldest of the 5 children born to their union. She grew up in the Hanna, Louisiana area and attended Allen High School.

She was blessed to meet the young man of her dreams, her “Darling”, Hewett Richardson, Sr., at a Church service when she was just a teenager in high school. When Bishop laid eyes on her, he knew immediately, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, that she would be his wife. That glorious day came a few years later and they were later joined in Holy Matrimony on Christmas-Eve, December 24, 1964. She later joined her husband in Phoenix, Arizona where they began a wonderful life together.

However, in the spring of 1966, her husband, then known as Minister Richardson, experienced a spiritual vision. In this vision, God directed him to move to Houston, Texas for he had prepared him for a “great work.” He shared this vision with his wife, Mother Ola, and they, with their first-born son, prayerfully surrendered to God’s will, relocating to the city of Houston, Texas later in the same year.

At Bennington Street, a new church was formed and christened: Emmanuel - meaning “God is with us.” With only 5 members, the Lord began to prove that he really was with them. As Pastor Richardson preached the Gospel with fiery conviction and holy fervor, with Mother Ola faithfully by his side, God saved, healed miraculously, added to the church, and filled many souls seeking God for the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Mother stood faithfully by her husband’s side through many phases of ministry as a loving wife, prayer partner, and beloved First Lady. She was not only founder and leader of the Women’s Department of her church, but she was a worker at heart and could be found rolling up her sleeves, serving where ever there was a need. No task was too great or too small. As God elevated her husband from Minister, to Elder, to Pastor, Superintendent, Field Superintendent, Chairman, and finally Bishop of the Texas Central Metropolitan Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction in the Church of God in Christ, she was right there by his side, loyal and faithful until the end.

Everyone who knew her, knew that her passion in life was her family and her church. She always said the greatest ministry in the world was to be a wife and a mother, loving her husband and raising her children up to love God with all their hearts. She was never out on the field working for the Lord, but neglecting her duties as a wife and mother. No, that was her highest calling. She chose to never be a clone or forced into a mold, as much as people tried to make her one over the years - and they did try - but she was always her own true authentic self – the unique and beautiful one-of-a-kind, born-again believer God created her to be.

Mother Ola was a wise Godly counselor and confidant to many, standing with them in prayer and support. She could laugh with you in your happy times, and cry with you too, in your time of distress and need, offering hope through Christ Jesus. Although she had 4 biological sons, she was a spiritual Mother to countless men, women, boys, and girls who loved and respected her so dearly. In fact, the Women’s Department of Emmanuel calls themselves “Ola’s Daughters” in honor of her beautiful example.

On Friday, August 5, 2022, Mother Ola faced the sunset of her days on earth and entered victoriously her sweet rest, joining her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in eternity. Mother Ola was preceded in death by her parents, Deacon Clifton and Versie Mae Johnson and son, Reginald Richardson.

Those she leaves to cherish her loving memory are her devoted husband of over 57 years and 8 months, Bishop Emeritus Hewett Richardson, Sr.; sons, Superintendent Hewett Richardson, Jr.; Michael Richardson (Ten); Daryl Richardson (Elizabeth); six grandchildren – Michael II, Justin, Maya, Bria (Kerrick), Jordan, Leah; 2 great-grandsons – Kai and Greyson; One sister, Gloria Jean Wells (Johnny); and brothers, Clifton, Jr., Bobby, Sr., and Kevin Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, Godchildren, cousins and other family members; many friends, and the her loving spiritual family, the Emmanuel Church of God in Christ where she served as First Lady for 56 years and the Texas Central Metropolitan Jurisdiction/Texas Central Fellowship where she served as First Lady for eight years.

A homegoing celebration for Mother Ola will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Church of God in Christ, 8813 Lockwood Dr., Houston, TX 77016.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidefuneralhomelauder.com for the Richardson family.