Elease Nelson Richardson was born to the late Theodore Nelson and Mary Washington Nelson
on April 1, 1930 in Bonneau, South Carolina. She was the twelfth of fourteen children born to
this union. She received her education in the Berkeley County Public School System, graduating
from Bonneau High School in 1952. From there, Elease migrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
via Lake City, South Carolina. In Philadelphia, she met and later married Frank Martin
Richardson, Jr. in 1955.
She pursued nursing until she discovered her love of keeping children. Elease, affectionately
known as "Mrs. Richardson," touched the lives of countless children and families. For over 50
years, Elease cared for children, primarily in the South Philadelphia community, as a foster care
mother and the proprietor of a thriving daycare business.
Elease was an excellent cook and kept a spotless home. Her home was a safe haven where any
guest could feel welcome and have plenty to eat. No one would ever leave her home hungry
and may have had a plate of red rice and shrimp or macaroni and cheese to go.
Elease was serious about family, education, and serving the Lord. She joined Gospel Temple
Baptist Church in 1967 and faithfully served on the Pastor's Aide and Home Mission ministries.
She enjoyed visiting the sick. She was a friend that you could call if you needed advice,
encouragement, or a good straightening out. She would be the one to give it to you.
She enjoyed music, her favorite songs included Take Up Your Bed and Walk, This Little Light of
Mine, Someday We'll Be Together, as well as anything sung by "my girl," Patti Labelle.
She leaves to cherish her memory, five children: John Samuel Nelson, Veronica Richardson
Ahiagbe, Frances Richardson-Gill, Frank Richardson III, and Andre' Richardson Sr.; five
grandchildren: April, Alexis, Adara, Arianna, and Andre' Jr.; five great-grandchildren: Brittany,
Nyshere, Darryl, Odyssey, and Zendaya,: one sister, Mary "Tay" Nelson Aiken of Jacksonville, FL
and a beloved caretaker, Mary Orsini, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.