Ruthie Mae Richard

On July 14, 1942, in the windy city of Chicago, Robert and Johnnie Blake were awaiting my arrival. My mother transitioned shortly after my birth, leaving my father to care for me and my five siblings, four of which precede me in death: Willie, Jettie, Isador, and Otis. At the age of 11, due to my father’s un-timely death, my aunt Mamie “Jug” Matthews graciously nurtured and reared me until adulthood. She instilled in me the importance of biblical principles and having a personal relationship with God. We attended New Zion Baptist Church. After moving to Houston, I joined Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church and later, New Light Church.

I received my education from Lawson Elementary, Marshall High School and Jr. College where I received a Certification in Business.

I was “Mama” to my one and only son, James Ghana Smith, born from the union with James Wesley Smith, who preceded me in death. I was PTO President during Ghana’s senior year at McArthur High School (Aldine ISD).

I later discovered that the name “Ruthie” means “companion, friend and vision of beauty.” This explains why I always exhibited compassion, friendliness and empathy towards those close to my heart. As for “vision of beauty,” I’m speechless myself.

I loved fashion, shoes and fragrances. My sense of style was seen daily in my love for leopard print and the color red. Everyone knows that I had a love for life and lived it wholeheartedly.

I was employed with Fair Department Store (my first job) and 15 years with Debbie’s School of Beauty Culture in Chicago, and later transferred to open the new location in Houston, Texas. Later on, I was employed with Melton Finley and Associates Insurance Agency, 9 years with Aldine ISD at MacArthur High School, 14 years with New Light Church, a representative with the Primerica Financial Group, and A to Z Driving School.

As God would have it, knowing I needed companionship; I met a caring gentleman, whom I deeply loved and cared for - James Richard, Jr. - and on December 6, 2008 we were united in holy matrimony. During our 13 years of marriage, I cherished the laughter we shared, the road trips to Louisiana, the getaways to the Kemah Boardwalk and the life we built together.

It is my greatest desire that my memory live forever in the hearts of my husband, James Richard, Jr., my one and only son, James Ghana Smith, my granddaughter, Ajhia Roberts, my great grandson, Jaxon, my sister, Lorraine Blake, my bonus daughters, Marietta “Cookie” (Mario) Richard-Piggee, Jonelle (Derrick) Richard-Demery, Rhonda Richard-Magee and Bonus son, Kevin (Keysha) Richard, a plethora of nieces, nephews and friends.