Ella Mae Holmes Richardson was born January 3, 1930 in Lee County, Georgia. She was the beloved daughter of the late Elijah Holmes and Morine Blair Holmes.

She received her formal education in the Dougherty County School System, including Madison High School where she graduated in the class of 1945. Throughout her school years, she actively participated in various student events and activities.

Ella was raised in a Christian home where she was taught the Word of God and the importance of living a life of integrity, strong character, and loving kindness. At an early age, she professed her faith in Christ and dedicated her life to His purpose. She united with the Greater Cutliff Grove Baptist Church where she began a lifetime of Christian stewardship. Over the years, she devoted herself to unparalleled commitment and service to her calling as a Deaconess and Church Secretary/Administrative Assistant; serving under the leadership of the late Reverend E. J. Menefee, the late Reverend E. J. Smith, Reverend E. G. Sherman, Reverend B. L. Richardson, and Reverend McKinley Drake. As she continued to avail herself in service, she was a BTU and Sunday School Teacher, Church Historian, Youth Director CMBA/CGMBC, and a member of the Gospelaires singing group, Nurses Aide, Pastor's Aide and the Senior Choir. In recent years, she was given Emeritus status as a Deaconess and Youth Director. "Miss Ella and Mother Richardson" as she was so fondly called, was a prayer warrior who was deeply rooted and grounded in the Lord. Her faith and trust in God guided her life and allowed her to be an example for family, friends, church family, and all who encountered her.

I n June 1948, she united in holy matrimony to her high school sweetheart, Elijah Richardson. Together, they embarked on a life filled with love and true devotion to each other. For 72 years, she proved to be a strong tower and true anchor to her   husband. Their union was blessed with two children who were taught to love God, to love one another, and to be respectful. Ella worked hard to consistently pursue excellence in her home; giving her best to her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was an altruistic individual who believed strongly in family ties and responsibilities., and creating lasting memories.

Often described as a kind, compassionate, and loving individual, Ms. Ella was the sunshine in many hearts and never knew a stranger.   She had a servant's heart and took great pride in using her God-given talents to help others. Many people considered her a wise, trusted counsel and a difference maker. She was the kind of person that anyone would be proud to call wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. To know her was to love and respect her.

On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, she transcended from life on earth to spend life with our Lord. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Pinky Harris, Joe Nathan Holmes, Elijah Holmes, and James Holmes.

She leaves a legacy of love to be cherished by her loving husband, Deacon Elijah Richardson; her children, Cassandra Joyce (Tommy) Baugh of Austin, TX, and Jesse (Madoria) Richardson of Clearwater, FL; grandchildren, Risa Lofton, Anza Richardson, and Octavius "Nikki" Green all of Albany, GA, and Tommie (Gladys) Baugh and Terrence Baugh of Austin, TX; great grandchildren, Ryan Richardson, Bria Richardson, Kamryn Richardson, Tyler Lofton, Quanton Carnegie, and Allysa Lofton of Albany, GA, and Xiomara Baugh, and Sofia Baugh of Austin, TX; one great-great granddaughter, Ava Richardson of Albany, GA; siter-in-law, Dorothy Echols of Thomasville, GA; special nephew and nieces, Valgene Hill and Betty Hamilton of Detroit, MI, April Eberhart, Timothy Whitfield, Victoria Harris, Arthur Harris, and Michael Harris; and a host of other relatives, church family, and friends.