By Delanda S. Johnson
Special to HCT Now
On Saturday, Jan. 5, at the Wynnham Hotel in Dallas, Sis. Esther Mary Richardson (also known as Mother Richardson) celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends.
Sis. Richardson was born in Malakoff, however now lives in Dallas and is a member of Gaines Chapel AME Church where Rev. W. K. McDonald is the pastor.
Approximately 80 to 100 people waited for Sis. Richardson to enter the ballroom. As she entered with a big smile on her face, Sis. Richardson greeted everyone.
The program started with Delanda S. Johnson (who is also a cousin) as Mistress of Ceremony calling everyone to order and expressed the love for her from the Smith side of Sis. Richardson’s family.
Family members traveled from Michigan to help Sis. Richardson celebrate her birthday.
Rev. McDonald opened that program with a heartfelt prayer; with Presiding Elder Rev. James Ford giving the scripture that well described Sis. Richardson.
Sis. Richardson’s nieces, Marilyn Marks and Renell Stafford, gave a stirring testimonial to why we were there and a beautiful song, “Blessed Assurance,” was sung in which Sis. Stafford stated that we all have a story to tell.
Sis. Richardson’s daughter-in-law, Sis. Patsy Richardson, read a moving poem; while cousin Delanda S. Johnson sang “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Kirk Franklin’s “Smile” got the crowd moving and later Sis. Richardson’s son Bro. J. D. Richardson and wife Patsy presented 50 red roses and 50 yellow roses to their mother. Family member, friends, and ministers came forth to speak good will, kind words, and loving messages to Sis. Richardson.
Sis. Richardson said to everyone that she was happy to see each person in attendance and thanked them for coming to help her celebrate.
“I thank God for allowing me to live this long and I will continue to bless His Holy Name. If I can help somebody, then my living will not be in vain,” she said.
This is the song that she sang without missing a note; what a wonderful SPIRIT.
The birthday celebration was topped off with a wonderful meal and great music.
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