Fannie Bell Richardson

Fannie Bell Richardson, nee Terry, was born to the late James Terry and Geraldine Curry on October 7, 1948 in Memphis, Tennessee. Fannie was raised in Mason, Tennessee, but moved to Detroit in 1969 with 1 and 2 year old daughters Pamela and Carolyn and the late Fentress Richardson who she married in 1966, but later divorced. Fannie proved to be a very hard worker and homemaker. In Detroit she has worked for Chrysler Corporation in one of its many plants on Detroit’s eastside. In the 1980s, Fannie worked for Sisters Chicken & Biscuit on Gratiot Ave where she perfected her art of homemade biscuit making. Fannie also made automotive products while employed at Huron Products in Port Huron, Michigan. Fannie was a devoted and faithful longtime member of the Second Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. Fannie was an equally faithful member of the Hallelujah Chorus where she had many friends. She served on the Usher Board; drove the church van, shuttling church members and guests to and from church services, and for many years, Fannie served as Head Chef of the Second Ebenezer Church kitchen, feeding many notable members and guests, to include but not limited to, Bishop Edgar L. Vann and his wonderful family, as well as former Vice President of the United States, Al Gore, in his official capacity. Fannie was also a member of the church bowling league. While a faithful member of the Zion Hope Church family, she continued her love and dedication for church service. Fannie raised all 6 of her children in the church. Even still, Fannie believed in having fun and was often the life of the party with family and friends. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining and possessed the most contagious smile. Fannie was very well known and loved by many. Many of family and friends still talk about her 50^th birthday celebration to this very day. Her homemade caramel cakes were highly sought after by church members, friends and family. Fannie could throw down in the kitchen, which was a trait passed down to her children.    

Fannie leaves behind to cherish her memory, her mother Geraldine Curry of Memphis TN, eldest daughter Pamela D. Richardson of Detroit, MI, daughter Carolyn D. Richardson of Memphis TN, son “Willie” Fentress Richardson and daughter-in-law Karen Richardson of Detroit, MI, daughter Carmen L. Richardson of Detroit, MI, son Edward Franklin III and daughter-in-law DeBora Franklin of Augusta, GA, and son Michael D. Richardson and Ashley Howard of Detroit, MI.

Grandchildren include, Cora Hayes, Natasha Richardson, Alexis King, Jamila Pickett and grandson in-law Antoine Pickett, Cameron Richardson, Agyei “Jay Jay” Nelson, Dennis Richardson and granddaughter in-law Geneva Richardson, Jajuan Swann, Corissa Gaddy, Demetrius Richardson, Camille Richardson, Carmen M. Richardson, Clarence Lewis, and Coreyaun Richardson. Fannie’s highly beloved fur grandbabies include, Fendi Franklin and Nyla Skyy Franklin.

Great-Grandchildren include, Anniy’ah Garrett, KayMaria Nelson, A’zariah Nelson, Kengyei Nelson, Zephaniah Pickett, Jaleia Anih Nicole Swann, Ca’Liayah Hayes, Ca’Miayah, Hayes, Ca’Niayah Hayes, Karter Johnson, Kalah Howard, Legend Richardson, Cartier Johnson, Miyana Johnson, Deon D Richardson.

Fannie’s living siblings include, brother Calvin Curry, brother Harold Curry and sister Julia Curry. Preceding her in death include, her father James Authur Terry, Sr., brother Joe Lewis Terry, brother Willie E. Lacey, sister Jimmie Edna Bailey, brother James Arthur Terry, Jr., brother Nathaniel Curry, sister Janet Curry, brother Leon Curry, brother Robert Curry, and brother John Curry.

Although far too many to mention, Fannie also leaves behind several living brothers and sisters, many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, in-laws, God-children, cousins, and a very large host of friends.

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