Evangeline Richardson

Evangeline Forbes Richardson
Hartsdale, NY
Evangeline Forbes Richardson was born the first of eight children to Bishop J.A. Forbes and Mrs. Mable Clemons Forbes in Burgaw, North Carolina on August 1, 1934. She departed this life after a season of health challenges peacefully at home in Hartsdale, Westchester County, New York. Van, as most called her, attended public schools in Goldsboro and Raleigh, NC. Her high school diploma was earned from Commerce High School of Manhattan, NY She matriculated as an elementary education major at historic Shaw University, earning the B.A. Degree in 1957. At Shaw Van was a noted soprano vocalist in the Shaw Chorale under the directorship of Professor "Prof" Harry Gilsmith. She also matriculated at The University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University. Van was a life-long educator with all ages, from infants to graduate students. Her teaching career began in Riley Hill Elementary School , Wendell, N.C. and continued in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, Stanford, Connecticut, Graduate School of City College of New York and Bank Street College, NYC.
Van was a loving and caring person who served as a wonderful example of God's love. As the eldest she was a very important influence in the rearing of her siblings. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord at an early age and served in her church especially at Providence Holy Church where she sang in the choir. By nature she was a very generous person who delighted in sowing into the lives of others.
One of the earliest members of Professor Lillian Weber's "open Education Team at the Workshop Center, CCNY, Van distinguished herself as she explored theoretical models which undergirded her experience as an early childhood teacher. Under Sir Alec Clegg in the United Kingdom Van exemplified the capacity to apply her unique approach through cross cultural instruction. In 1967 she met the love of her life, Gerard Richardson, who was a visiting English speaking Union/Fulbright exchange teacher from the United Kingdom. Van and Ged were wed in 1968, subsequently living and teaching in Yorkshire. England from 1968-72. Their son, Cy, was born in 1969. Gerard, himself, is a retired educator and recognized Shakespeare scholar. Son Cy was a member of The Ardsley High School Championship Baseball Team. He subsequently became co-captain of The University of North Carolina Baseball Team. Cy is currently a Vice President for Housing and Community Development and Research Fellow with The National Urban League.
Evangeline leaves to celebrate and remember her unique life journey her husband, Gerard Richardson of Hartsdale, New York; a son, Cy Richardson (Jill) of Brooklyn, New York, little Naomi, age four, who provided immense joy to "Grand Ma" Van's last years. brothers, Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. (Bettye) of New York City, Dr. David C. Forbes of Raleigh, N.C., and Dr. Ronald O. Forbes (Geola) of Richmond, VA; sisters, Gwendolyn Towns (Congressman Ed Towns) of Brooklyn, New York, Barbara Forbes of Raleigh, and Attorney Anna Forbes Towns, Silver Spring, Md.; aunts, Melba Moore of Portsmouth, Virginia, Earda Forbes of Philadelphia, Pa., and The Reverend Jessie Clemons of Rocky Mount, N.C. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, fellow Shaw alums, neighbors and friends. Well done Van . . .well done.
Final services are scheduled for Wednesday, September 14 from Riverside Church in New York City. The family will receive visitors at 9:00 a.m. with final rites at 10:00 a.m. Interment is scheduled for Ferncliffe Cemetery in Hartsdale, Westchester County, New York.