Emily Gamble Richardson

It is with deep regret and profound sorrow, that we sadly announce the passing of Emily Gamble Richardson, age 90 of Greeleyville, SC, who died Sunday, November 7, 2021, at her home.

Graveside service for Emily Gamble Richardson was 12:00 Noon on Friday, November 12, 2021, at the St. James Baptist Church Cemetery, 1288 Coleman Road, Greeleyville, SC where Reverend Dr. Lewis Walker, Jr., pastor of Good Hope Missionary Baptist of Greeleyville, SC, gave the Words of Comfort and the interment followed.

                                           And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”                                         Luke 23:43

     Emily Gamble Richardson, also known as Emma Lee Gamble Richardson, entered into eternal rest on Sunday afternoon, November 7, 2021, at her residence. She was born on Sunday, July 19, 1931, to the late Robert Gamble and Annie Porcha Gamble in Greeleyville, SC. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Charles Richardson; a grandson, J. Todd Johnson; four sisters: Adele Capers, Beatrice Greene, Lillie Mae Counts, and Cleo Williams; and three brothers: Madison Gamble, Sam Robert Gamble, and Edward Gamble.

     Emily received her formal education from the public schools of Williamsburg County. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Greeleyville, South Carolina. During her time in New York, she joyfully continued her Christian experience at Rocky Mountain Baptist Church in the Washington Heights Community of Manhattan, NY where she sang in the choir. Upon her return to Greeleyville, she reestablished her membership with her home church and attended eagerly and faithfully. 

     In young adulthood, Emily moved to Harlem, New York where she met and wed the late Emanuel Charlie Richardson. This union was blessed with five children. While in New York, she found employment by utilizing her skills as a seamstress and also worked for the United Jewish Association (UJA). 

     Emily was very soft-spoken in nature and enjoyed watching soap operas, playing card games, and completing puzzles. Emily was an avid lover of sports. She played basketball in high school and regularly kept up with current games and scores of professional sports. She never wanted to miss an opportunity when her family was gathered together for a good time. “Mrs. Richardson”, as she was affectionately known in New York, always made her home welcoming to the community. It meant a lot to her knowing that people always felt at home and received love and affection.

     Loved ones left to cherish her memories are six daughters: Veronica (Jacob) Johnson of St. Stephen, SC, Cynthia Starks  (long-term caregiver) of Greeleyville, SC, Sandra Richardson, Rita Richardson, Valerie Richardson, and Charlene Richardson, all Harlem, NY; one sister, Alice Rogers of Greeleyville, SC;  fourteen grandchildren (including a very special granddaughter who she raised as her own, Timika Moore Carter); nineteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; an exceptionally caring aide, Marilyn Paige who affectionately called her, “Ma”; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.