John C. Richardson

On July 2, 2021, John C. Richardson, with Thanksgiving in his heart and praise on his lips, followed his Savior to the home that He prepared for him.

John was born on October 29, 1928, to the late Charlie and late Annie Bea Richardson in Barton, AL.  His parents showered John and his siblings with love and instilled a solid foundation for the teachings of Christ.  He is preceded in death by Charles Richardson, James Richardson, Alfred Richardson, Samuel Richardson, and Janie Lewis.

The Tuscumbia, AL public school system was where John received his primary education.  John graduated from Trenholm High School in 1946 and graduated from Alabama State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies and Mathematics.  While at Alabama State University, he was also the assistance to Dr. J. Garrett Hardy, Professor of Sociology.  John was a long-distance runner and became an esteemed member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.  He is one of the founding members of the Metro DC Alumni Chapters where he served many years as the chapter’s photographer.  During that time, he hosted several ASU presidents and professors. John furthered his studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C. in pursuit of a Master’s in Business Administration.  

In early 1950’s, John served in the United States Army as a Sergeant stationed in Germany.  During his tour in Germany, John was awarded an Occupation Medal, which recognized him as a member of the United States military who served in the European occupation force. 

For over 25 years, he worked at the Washington, D.C. United States Postal Service and retired as a Superintendent.  During his tenure at the United States Postal Service, John met and married the love of his life, the late Claudia P. Walker.  Together they raised two daughters, Teresa L. Matthews, and Traci L. Shellman.  John prided himself on his family and being a loving and nurturing father was paramount to him.

John received Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and was baptized at Mount Carmel M. B. Church in Tuscumbia, AL.  Being a faithful steward, he was active in his home church and continued his walk in the word of Christ, when he relocated to Washington, DC. and joined the Greater First Baptist Church in Washington, DC.  There John served as a Deacon, sang God’s praises in the choir and was active in the audio-visual ministry.

In a final expression of love, John bequeaths to us his love of life and family.  John understood the importance of cherishing the discrete and important moments of life.  To this end, he used his talent and passion for photography to capture the joys and warm moments that he shared with his family and friends.  The numerous pictures he leaves keeps his spirit alive in the hearts of his loved ones.

John leaves to cherish his memories:  his devoted daughters, Teresa L. Mathews (Reginald) and Traci L. Shellman (Leonard); five grandchildren: Alton Jr., Ava and Asa West, Leonard, Jr., and Lana Shellman; four great-grandchildren: Nasir West, Malachi West, Titus West, and Logan Shellman; one sister, Mary Dillard; one sister-in-law, Margo Richardson and one God daughter, Norma Hood.  He will also be missed by his nieces, nephews and a host of great nieces and nephews, family members and friends.

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