James D. Richardson

James David “J.D.” Richardson, a son of the late Lee Josh Richardson and the late Queenie E. Bennett Richardson, was born Nov. 10, 1932, in Clarendon County in the town of Summerton. He departed this life Sunday morning, Feb. 25, 2007, at Lake Marion Nursing Facility in Summerton.

He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Sarah Gipson Richardson; brothers, Elliotte Lee and Charles Ervin; and sister, Dorothy Jones.

He was educated in the public schools of Summerton. He left school and joined the U.S. Army on Feb. 2, 1951, and was honorably discharged on Feb. 2, 1954. J.D. moved to New York City, where he joined Caldwell AME Zion Church. Later he joined New Tabernacle Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a deacon. He also served in other capacities: male chorus, usher board, nursing unit and wherever else he was needed. In 1992, he relocated to Summerton and joined Historic Liberty Hill AME Church. He worked faithfully and diligently until his health declined. He served on the usher board, the male choir, the nurse’s aid ministry and the Sons of Allen.

J.D. is survived by three brothers, Donald Richardson of Estill, Johnnie Richardson of Bronx, N.Y., and Henry Richardson of Summerton; eight sisters, Evangelist A. Lonell Wright of Bronx, Carrie M. Daniels of Mount Vernon, N.Y., Gloria R. Browne of Harlem, N.Y., Annie M. Richardson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Mary R. Brailsford of Summerton, Cammie R. Illis of Bronx, Eartha R. Brock of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Tinnie R. Lincoln of Pinewood; one aunt, Josephine Britt of Bronx; two uncles, Charles Bennett of Summerton and Thomas Jones of Mount Vernon, N.Y.; and his godmother, Mamie Logan of Bronx.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 1, 2007, at Historic Liberty Hill AME Church.

Burial was in the church cemetery.

The Rev. Dr. Melvin J. Capers, senior pastor, officiated.

King Funeral Home of Summerton was in charge of arrangements.