Belle Richards

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 â??grandsâ?, 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 â??Budâ? 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 Belleâ??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 .