J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Richards, Belle G.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Belle Germaine Richards, of Midlothian, VA was reunited with her Lord, her husband, Rich, and her beloved son, Ronnie, on Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Born on September 7, 1923 in St. Louis, MO, Belle grew up in Iowa and moved to Washington, D. C. following her marriage to U. S. Army CPT Richards on December 30, 1945. Belle and her family lived in Colonial Heights and spent many years in Petersburg, where she was employed as a secretary at Walnut Hill Elementary School, and an active member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church. After the death of her husband in 1981, Belle moved to Richmond to be closer to her children. In recent years, Bingo, music, and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her much joy. She is survived by her daughter, Jacki Sowers (Buddy); son, Mark Richards; grandsons, Casey Sowers (Courtney), Christian Sowers (Kristen), Kassin Richards, and Kyle Richards. She adored her great “grands”, Sydney and Logan Sowers and Stella, Bryce and Johnny Sowers. Belle also leaves behind to cherish her memory, her sister, Vi Miller and brothers, Don Richards and Ed “Bud” Richards; many nieces and nephews; devoted, long-time friend, Audry Sitten; her former minister at Walnut Hill Baptist Church, Glenn Plott and wife, Sheila; and a host of others who loved her. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Morningside at Bellegrade, especially Michael and Sherry, and all of Belle’s friends there. Also, the doctors and staff of Chippenham, Johnston-Willis, and Retreat Hospitals. Last, but certainly not least, Belle sends her love to all of her Bingo buddies. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 5th at the Petersburg Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service. A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George, VA. In lieu of flowers, Belle and her family ask that donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, P. O. Box 78960, Phoenix, AZ 85062-8960. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

Dear Jackie and Mark, Our sincere sympathy to you and your families. Belle has always been special to us from the early days at Walnut Hill Church to the times we shared at Morningside. We remember what a sweet person she was and her dedication to Walnut Hill Church was an inspiration to us all. Before we moved to Pennsylvania a year ago, our monthly visits to Morningside gave us an opportunity to share old memories with her.
Our love and prayers to each of you.
Al and Bonnie Cash

Posted by: Al & Bonnie Cash at April 7, 2010 10:07 AM

Jacki and Mark,

I am saddend to learn of your Mother's passing. I remember well the times I spent at your home with you and Ronnie. Your Mother was a great lady and will be missed I'm sure. My deepest condolences.
I'm certain that she, your Dad and Ronnie are having a grand reunion up in heaven.

Posted by: Bob Elmore at April 5, 2010 01:28 PM

Dear Mark and family,
Sorry to read about the loss of your mother. I remember her @ Walnut Hill Elem. School. I know how you feel, I lost my Mom is January. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted by: Kathryn Beville Lee at April 4, 2010 11:21 PM

Belle was a volunteer at Chippenham Hospital during many of the years that I supervised the volunteer program. She was a "class act" and a real joy to know. I also visited with her several times at Morningside and found her as delightful as ever. My sympathy to all of the family.

Posted by: Jane Garner at April 4, 2010 08:09 PM

Jacki, Buddy, Mark and Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have very fond and lasting memories of Aunt Belle. She was always so kind and caring to all of us. May she rest in peace with Uncle Rich, Ronnie, and all of our other family members who have passed.
Kris & John

Posted by: Kris & John Bloodgood at April 4, 2010 07:42 PM

We are sorry for the loss of one who has been a close friend for so many years. Many are the good times we had together on Fort Rice. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
V.J.,Imo, Joe, Dan, and Amy

Posted by: Coberly at April 3, 2010 01:49 PM

We were very saddened to learn of the loss of your beloved mother. Please know we'll be keeping you and your family in our hearts and in our prayers. And above all, remember you have many friends who care for you so you're not alone in your time of sorrow.
Jim & Judy Russell

Posted by: Jim & Judy Russell at April 2, 2010 10:05 AM

Please accept my heart felt sympathy for the passing of your mother. Mildred and I will have you and your family in our prayers during this time of both sorrow for her passing from this life and the joy of knowing that she has reunited with our Father in heaven

Larry and Mildred Williams

Posted by: Laurence Williams, Sr. at April 2, 2010 12:09 AM

Jacki, Buddy & Mark--
Our love and prayers are with you all. We remember aunt Belle as always having fun no matter what she was doing. And we're sure she's doing the same thing now as she rests in heaven.
Pat & Sandy Murphy

Posted by: Pat & Sandy Murphy at April 1, 2010 10:00 PM