Bennette Richard- “Mommy, Ma, Mommy Richards, Aunt Nettie or Nettie” as she was known to her children, siblings, family and friends was the beloved Matriarch of our family. Always looking the part, there was never an occasion where she was not one of the most stylish present. She had a love for fashion; we all spent many of days shopping for patterns with mommy in the material stores, as she learned to sew during the early years of her marriage. Whether she made her clothes or bought them she enjoyed the fruits of her labor, but took care of family first. Being no stranger to hard work, she took her first job working on the factory floor after graduating from Walton High School, Bronx NY. She was finding her way in the world and even considering joining the Army. Once mommy told me she wanted to be a teacher, but life had something different instore.
She would meet her future husband after his tour of duty. On April 2, 1950 she would marry Alfred E. Richards and this union would bless them with three children, Gregory, Carol and Alan. There were many good times to be had, family outings to Orchard Beach, Bear Mountain, City Island, and many nights she and Alfred would go dancing at the Savoy. She and Alfred parted their ways decades later, but that didn’t stop her. She continued working her job with the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority enabling her to support the household and her children. Still she found time to attend Lehman College in 1977. She would become an avid Traveler taking cruises, trips to Mexico, ski resorts and horseback riding at the Dude Ranches.
Mommy taught us that what we wanted in life did not come easy, that we would have to work for what we desired. She gave us enough to suit our needs, yet a balance that would motivate us to reach for more. She instilled in us work ethic. She did not quit her job as a token booth clerk no matter the dangers. This was for us, although it may have seemed underappreciated “thank you Ma!”
In 1981 she would retire and move to Florida with her son Alan, family would visit and within a decade, family members began migrating to Florida. In 1994 she would make the journey many Christians would treasure and made the trip to Israel. She loved the ocean and lived many years near it and many with her children, fashion, the beach and she loved lamb chops.
On November 2, 2018 at 10:10am our Lord and Savior called her home. Bennette Richards was born in the Bronx, New York on January 5, 1930 to Benjamin Hutson and Mocasin Caroy. She was the youngest of three sisters. Her father passed away when she was seven years old, leaving her mother to support them. Considering herself a widow and not divorced she is preceded in death by her husband Alfred, mother Mocasin, sisters Virginia and Mary and son Gregory.
She is survived by her children, Daughter Carol and husband Errol, Son Alan and Wife Diana. Grandchildren Latoya, Michael, Timothy, Adrian, Kendall, Kayla, Kameran, Kennedi and Kori, along with seven grandchildren an abundance of loving nieces and nephews.
A Mother’s Crown
Heaven lit up with a mighty presence,
as the Angels all looked down.
Today the Lord was placing the jewels
Into my mother’s crown.
He held up a golden crown,
as my darling mother looked on.
He said in His gentle voice,
‘I will now explain each one.’
‘The first gem,’ He said, ‘is a Ruby,
and it’s for endurance alone,
for all the nights you waited up
for your children to come home.’
‘For all the nights by their bedside,
you stayed till the fever went down.
For nursing every little wound,
I add this ruby to your crown.’
‘An emerald, I’ll place by the ruby,
for leading your child in the right way.
For teaching them the lessons,
That made them who they are today.’
‘For always being right there,
through all life’s important events.
I give you a sapphire stone,
for the time and love you spent.’
‘For untying the strings that held them,
when they grew up and left home.
I give you this one for courage.’
Then the Lord added a garnet stone.
‘I’ll place a stone of amethyst,’ He said.
‘For all the times you spent on your knees,
when you asked if I’d take care of your children,
and then for having faith in Me.’
‘I have a pearl for every little sacrifice
that you made without them knowing.
For all the times you went without,
to keep them happy, healthy and growing.’
‘And last of all I have a diamond,
the greatest one of all,
for sharing unconditional love
whether they were big or small.’
‘It was your love that helped them grow
Feeling safe and happy and proud
A love so strong and pure
It could shift the darkest cloud.’
After the Lord placed the last jewel in,
He said, ‘Your crown is now complete,
You’ve earned your place in Heaven
With your children at your feet.’
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