Richelle Hammond "Boss Lady" Soniat

1962 - 2020

An angel of mercy was called heavenward on Thursday, October 15, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. Richelle "Boss Lady" Hammond-Soniat was born on June 22, 1962 to the late Doris Julia Hammond and the late Alfred Parker, Jr. After the death of her mom at age 7, she was reared by her uncle, the late George Johnson along with her brothers, Graylin and Cedric. She was also nurtured by her surrogate father, the late Alex Stewart. At age 11, she chose Debra H. Edwards and Rev. Richmond Edwards, Jr. as forever Godparents. Upon graduating from Riverdale High School, Richelle attended Charity School of Nursing with devoted and lifelong friends, Nannette Birdsall and Rev. Estella Johnson. During the early years of her nursing career, she met Victoria Pompey Encalade (Gary) and Tammy Bush (Reggie) who became devoted forever friends. Richelle became an RN, earned her Bachelor of Nursing Degree from Dillard University and her Master of Nursing Degree from Loyola University where she was inducted into the Nursing Honor Society, Sigma Theta Tau International. Richelle married Willie Soniat, III on October 18, 1993. To this union, Alex Julia and Willie, IV, were born. She loved and cherished her children with everything she had and was so very proud of their accomplishments. Baptized at First Mission by Pastor Watkins, Richelle later served God and community through her dedication to her church, New Birth Cathedral of Glory Ministries, and SWANS, Inc. She mentored many youth and was a surrogate mom/aunt to Christopher Johnson, Raven Brashears, Janee Young, Aniya and Aneres Green, Maigan and Christina Martin, Ciarra Williams, Teralyncia Campbell, Tyachell Bailey, Chantel Williams, Nakira Elder, and so many more. Prior to her joining New Birth, she served as a youth Sunday School teacher at Marine Baptist Church, now known as Marine and Mt. Moriah Community Church. There, she also served as the church nurse under Pastor Donald L. Robinson. As a 30-year employee of Ochsner, Richelle diligently worked to achieve her lifelong goal and title-Assistant Vice President of Nursing. Early in her nursing leadership career, she was affectionately given the esteemed title "Boss Lady" by her CSU Team. As Unit Director of Cardiology, she nurtured her staff with a spirit of excellence. Many of her mentees are in leadership roles throughout the world. During treatments and throughout her health challenges, Richelle worked tirelessly rarely missing a day and ensuring that departments operated with excellence, were well-staffed, and provided exceptional care. Her parents, Uncle George, Alex, first cousins Sherman Deggs and Joseph Hammond; and sister-in-law, Elmira Stewart preceded her in death. In addition to her husband, Willie, beloved daughter and son, Alex Julia and Willie, IV, she leaves to cherish her memory, devoted Godparents, Rev. Richmond and Debra Edwards, her surrogate sister, Victoria Pompey Encalade (Gary); her brothers, Graylin (Lisa) and Cedric; God-siblings, Richmond Edwards, III, Raina Edwards-Elder (Kevin), Avery Johnson; devoted first cousins, Faye Hammond (Rodney), Frances Hammond (James), and Frank Cain (Kathleen); caring nieces and nephews, Lakeivia, Chris, Brad, Geremy and Chelsea Hammond; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Tyronne Soniat (Shirley), Wayne Soniat (Caroline), Estralita S. Madere (Ruben), Edrina Soniat-Howard, Cynthia S. Parker, Tina S. Bates (Melvin, Sr.), and Telefia C. Soniat; God-children, Mallory Rochon Simmons, Robin Richardson, and Tylen Bush, a host of step-sisters, step-brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, Riverdale Class of 1980, SWANS Sisters, New Birth Cathedral of Glory Family, Shrewsbury Family and her beloved Ochsner Family. Due to COVID-19, the 11:00 a.m. Celebration of Life Service will be private on Friday, October 23, 2020. Visitation will be 8 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. at New Birth Cathedral of Glory Ministries, 301 Clay Street, Kenner, LA., Rev. Richmond Edwards, officiant. A drive-by repass follows the service. Mask wearing and social distancing are required. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Research Center to find a cure for Leiomyosarcoma (http://ochsner.org/richelle).