Barbara Jean Sandolph Richard

Barbara Jean Sandolph Richard was born August 16, 1945, to Earl and Carrie Sandolph in New Orleans. She was the second born of five children. Barbara was baptized at an early age by Rev. Henry A. Hills. She was reared in Paradis on Old Spanish Trail. Barbara heard the voice of Jesus say, "Well done, "My good and faithful servant," and took the Master's hand on November 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family as she received her crown. Barbara was educated in the St. Charles Parish school system. She graduated from George Washington Carver High School in the class of 1963. Barbara attended Katie's School of Beauty Culture and Barbering in New Orleans after graduating high school. She then attended Southern University in Baton Rouge to pursue a degree in nursing. Barbara began her career as Secretary at Boutte School, then transferred to Killona School, and she retired as Senior Secretary of Student Services at St. Charles Parish School Board in 2007 with 41 years of service. During her years as Senior Secretary, she bonded with Pam Dufrene who was like a sister to her. She married Hardin A. Richard in 1968, and to this union two children were born, Nichelle Lynn and Shane Anthony Richard. Barbara became mother to Verena (Cookie) Stewart, Iris Carter, the late Jacqueline Bradley, Melvin (Ellis) Richard, Spencer Lee, and Hardin Richard, Jr. She was a second mother to Shelly Cummings-Young, and also a foster mother to Tara Edwards and Ingrid Brown. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23:4. Her favorite song was Safe in Arms by Vickie Winans. Barbara grew in her faith under the leadership of Pastors Henry A. Hills and Albert Charles at First Baptist Church of Paradis. Barbara later joined New Hope Community Church in Kenner under the leadership of Pastor Mark Mitchell. She attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary under the leadership of Pastor Mark Mitchell and received her diploma in biblical teaching in 2001. Also, under the leadership of Pastor Mark Mitchell at New Hope Community Church she completed the school of leadership development on December 15, 2013, and preached for her Ministerial license and received a certificate on October 14, 2014. Barbara was faithful in ministry. Barbara leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Nichelle L. Ingram and Shane A. Richard; sister, Carolyn (Charles) Winston; grandchildren, Durwyn A. Richard, Shanta J. Gilbert, Darian M. Smith, Lloyd D. Richard, Kyla T. Richard, Tyla C. Richard, and Juvon S. Gales; great- grandchildren, Grayson Richard, Charliee Belvin, Mariah, Zyrie, Jasai, Loyal, and Lylah Richard, A'Miya Lockett, Marcus Joseph, Jr., Jeremiah, Ryland, Ryder, and Rayelle Richard, Ha'Keem Lewis, Dior Lumar, and Gianna Gales; adopted brother Larry Kelly; godchildren Elaine Sandolph, Twyla Scott-Clary, Joshua Varnado, and the late Sonya Cummings, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded death by her parents, Earl and Carrie Sandolph; brothers, Marvin and Larry Sandolph; sister, Jovanna A. Varnado; sister-in-law, Janet B. Sandolph; brother-in-law, Louis M. Varnado, and bonus children, Jacqueline Bradley, Melvin (Ellis) Richard, Spencer Lee, and Hardin Richard, Jr. Family and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at First Baptist Church Paradis, 14571 Old Spanish Trail, Paradis, LA 70080. Final visitation will begin at 9:00 until 10:45 a.m. Service time will be at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Mark Mitchell, New Hope Community Church, officiating. Pastor Justin C. Robinson, First Baptist Church of Paradis, host Pastor. Interment will follow at Mt. Airy Memorial Park, 13635 Old Spanish Trail, Boutte, LA 70039. Guestbook Online: www.anewtraditionbegins.com (504)282-0600. Linear Brooks Boyd and Donavin D. Boyd Owners/Funeral Directors.