Zella L. Richardson

ZELLA LOU MAINES RICHARDS, of Bel Air, MD died February 5, 2004 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center after an extended illness. She celebrated her 98th birthday on December 23, 2003. Born in West Jefferson, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Hyram and Sarah Maines and one of 10 children. She served as a school teacher in the state of North Carolina from 1927-1930, teaching all 12 grades in a one room school house.

She was a blessing and inspiration to her family. She was always a loving mother that sacrificed emotionally and physically for the sake of her children. She taught them never to give up during the trials of life. Her outlook on life was always, “where there is a will, there is a way.”

Mrs. Richardson was married to Talmage Samuel Richardson in West Jefferson, North Carolina in 1927. The couple moved to Bel Air, Maryland in 1941. A faithful wife and loving mother and grandmother to her entire family, she taught all of them love, wisdom, and the importance of family.

Mrs. Richardson was preceded in death by her husband Talmage Samuel Richard in 1967, and her son Erving Wade Richardson in 1995.

Mrs. Richardson is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Amos Dean of Bel Air; son and daughter-in-law, Jerrell and Peggy Richardson of Joppa; daughter and son-in-law, Wanda and Bimal Pal of Bel Air; nine grandchildren, Patricia Khattab; Sherry VanHoy; Terry Dean; Ronda Crass; Danny Haga; Timothy Haga; Brenda Richardson; Ricky Richardson; and Wadalie Richardson; 22 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and two great-great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were: Danny Haga, Timothy Haga, Terry Dean, Jeff Crass, Joseph Crass, and Jonathan Crass.