Velma Richardson

Velma Lee Richardson was born August 6, 1935, in Doyline, Louisiana to Washington and Mae Bell Burks. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Camp Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. E.D. Hodge. Velma Lee married John Henry Richardson, and they made their home in Houston, Texas. Velma was a certified nurse's assistant, and she retired from St. Dominic's Independent Care Facility where she provided long-term care for the elderly. She was an active member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a member of the General Mission Society, serving as the Assistant Chaplin. In 2013 during Pilgrim Rest's 100th year celebration, she was honored as a Pioneer Member. In 2014, she chaired Pilgrim Rest's Ladies in Red Program. She is known as Weeping Jeremiah for her tears and crying during service as the Holy Spirit moved her. Sister Velma Richardson is preceded in death by her parents: Washington and Mae Bell Burks; Sisters: Annie T. Battle-Bertrand and Ada Parish, and Brother: JB Burks. She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, John Henry Richardson; one son, Roy Burks Sr. (Linda) of Houston, TX; one daughter, Polly Rena Richardson-Thomas of Minden, LA; two grandchildren, Kimberly and Roy, Jr. of Houston, TX; three sisters: Carrie Ball of Houston, TX; Dorothy Richardson of Doyline, LA; and, Arma Mae Smith of Doyline, LA; dearest friend, Eleanor "Brownie" Moore of Houston, TX; the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church family, Lotus Lane family, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.