Biography: Frances Naomi Richardson was born May 29, 1926, in Cordesville, South Carolina, to parents Hattie C. Nesbit and Frank Nesbit.
She transitioned on August 21, 2020 in New York City, NY at the age of 94.
She was the fourth eldest of eleven children, her siblings were Rosa Lee Rivers, Margaret Powers, Catherine Austin, Louise Middleton, Hattie Nichols, Ida Dukes, Vivian Gadsden, Mabel Dula, Frank Nesbit and Wilbert Nesbit.
Frances was an exceptionally bright and beautiful little girl, with sparkly eyes and a contagious smile, a strong will and an independent streak. In Cordesville, where she grew up, Frances became a member of Emanuel AME Church. She attended Cordesville Elementary School. After completing elementary school, she began working at an early age to help support her family.
In 1942, at age 16, Frances moved to Charleston, SC, where she began working for a cigar factory. In Charleston, she joined Ebenezer AME Church, where she served on the usher board.
In 1945, at age 18, Frances moved to Harlem, New York City. She secured employment working in a textile factory in Manhattan. Soon after, she met and married Daniel Lee Richardson in 1948. From their union, she had five children—Eartha, Johnnie, David, Danny and Francina.
In 1953, Frances joined Bethel AME Church, where she served on the usher board. She then went on to also serve on the sick committee and became the custodian of the usher board.
Over the next several years, Frances helped move all of her sisters and other family members from the South up to New York City. They all would stay with her until they could find employment and get on their feet.
Frances was a meticulous caretaker, known for keeping an exceptionally clean home. She also was known for her independence, perseverance and special gift for making people feel welcome. She loved to cook and throw family functions, it didn’t matter the reason. She found the greatest joy in bringingtogether her loved ones.
She was known for making the best turkey wings and potato salad and of course her world famous bread pudding. Anytime there was a holiday, she opened up her home to celebrate it. When you think of Frances Richardson, you think of all of the love and great times that were shared in her home.
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