Deacon Howard William Richards Jr, was born to the late Howard & Gladys Richards, Sr., on April 3rd, 1947 in Seaford, DE., and was blessed to be raised by his God Parents Raymond and Audrey Fooks, later in life, after his mother’s death.
Howard graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, NJ., and then enlisted into the United States Army. After the Army he worked as a painter and a bricklayer, and relocated to Virginia. It was here he gave his life to Christ and joined Cathedral of Faith COGIC, and in 2006, he met the love of his life Terry Thompson. They were joined in Holy Matrimony March, 2007, and enjoyed the time they spent together serving in the ministry until his death.
He loved a variety of sports and was VERY COMPETITIVE. Bowling, Dominoes, Horseshoes, and watching Football (San Francisco 49ers Die-Hard) were his favorites. Can’t you hear him now saying “Yeeah!”
Howard loved his Pastor, Bishop G. Wesley Hardy, First Lady Doris Hardy and the Church Family. He was an active member and faithful to the Local Church, District and Jurisdiction, where he served as a Deacon, Prayer Intercessor, President of Cathedral’s Men Choir, Sunday School Assistant Teacher (Deacons), Usher, President of the Parking Lot Ministry, worked with
the Dining Ministry, and loyal to the Noon Day Prayer (Tele-conference) Howard would always say “I ran hard for the world and when I came into the church I intend to run even harder for my God.”
Howard entered into eternal rest on Wed. December 1st, 2021, and will be truly missed. He is predeceased by his Parents, God Father and sister Phyllis Randolph. Leaving to cherish his memories a loving wife Terry Richards, God Mother Audrey Fooks of Camden, NJ, one brother James De Shields (Linda) of Dover, DE; God Brother Kevin Fooks of Camden, NJ; four God sisters: Sarena Cobb (Bernard) of Chesapeake, VA, Yolanda Taylor of Lindenwold, NJ, Rosalind Highsmith (Kevin) of Pennsauken, NJ, Vera Johnson (Clyde) of FL; two children (marriage) Anthony Thompson of Norfolk, VA, Charnelle Graves
(Michael) of Chesapeake, VA, one God son Rockeya Crews (Joy) of Atlanta, GA, three grandchildren Tirajae Thompson of Norfolk, VA, Caleb and Braylon Graves of Chesapeake, VA; a close cousin Stanley Richards; a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, other Relatives, Friends, Barraud Park Horseshoe Crew,and the Norview Community Center Seniors.
