Charlotte M. (Peyton) Richards

Emeritus Deaconess Charlotte M. Richards earned her heavenly wings on Friday, December 30, 2022, at her residence in Colonial Beach, VA at the blessed age of 88. She was the sixth of eleven children born to the late Randolph and Carrie Peyton.  

Deaconess Charlotte was baptized at an early age and became a member of the Good Hope Baptist Church, King George, VA, under the leadership of the late Rev. Lloyd Watts.  She was a member of the choir and faithfully served on the Deaconess Ministry until her health began to decline.

She attended and graduated from Ralph Bunch High School, King George, VA in 1951.  Deaconess Charlotte was united in Holy Matrimony on March 12, 1954, to the late Clinton D. Richards, Jr. Their union produced eight precious blessings.  

Deaconess Charlotte’s community activities included being a member of the Order of the Eastern Stars, and a Lifetime Member of the NAACP. She was the first women of color to work as a saleslady at the Ben Franklin Store in Colonial Beach, VA during a time when African American females weren’t being hired in said positions. Prior to Pre-K and Kindergarten, she played a vital role in initiating a Head Start Program in Westmoreland County. Her work career also included substitute teaching in the Westmoreland County School System, and production worker at General Products and General Motor Companies in Fredericksburg. She had a fashion for hats and suits…and looked good in them.  She loved to listen to gospel music, cook/bake, sew, and do crossword puzzles.  She could finish a big crossword puzzle book within a couple of days.  She had a quiet spirit but would speak up when it came to her children.  

She was a loving mother, grand and great-grandmother and was very protective of all her children. Deaconess Charlotte was predeceased by her husband, Clinton D. Richards, Jr.; five brothers:  Edward, Samuel, Ernest, Linwood & Nathaniel Peyton; two sisters: Revella Peyton and Rachel Brooks.

She leaves to celebrate fond memories of a life well-lived, eight children: Revella, Lester, Carrie, Renee, Clint III (Michelle), Denise, Calvin (Lisa), and Sylvia (Lance); grandchildren: Donita, Jenelle, Anthony S., JR, CJ, Marquetta, Kitana, Nicholas, Averri, Anthony, Varius; three great grandchildren: Ryan, Demiyah, and Omari; Special son, John Lucas; brother, Willis Peyton; sisters: Rebecca Mitchell and Delores Johnson; sisters-in-law: Marie Bundy, Barbara Ann and Valerie Richards; godchildren: Omar Brooks and Trina Lopez; special friends:  Mary Mercer, Helen Brown, William Dudley (like family), Johanna Payne (George), Melvin and Marvin Johnson, Charlie Shanklin; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 6 at 11AM in the sanctuary of Good Hope Baptist Church, 17223 Good Hope Road, King George, Virginia.

Interment will follow in Peyton Family Cemetery, Garnett's Mill Loop, King George, Virginia.

Remains may be viewed from 10 AM until service time on Friday at Good Hope Baptist Church.

******Services will be live streamed via facebook live by B&B Media LLC (Mark Bunns) @weldonfisher******
 

**MANDATORY MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED **

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