After jointly giving 114 years of dedicated service to the Salvation Army, Local Corp Officer Edward Richards – a celebrated bandsman and his wife Corps Officer Una Theresa Richards, have died in the past nine weeks. Corps Officer Edward Richards, also known as Captain Richards died on November 14, 2009, at age 79, after a prolonged illness; and his wife, Una, also known as Sister Richards, died of a cardiac arrest at her Bent Street home in the city, on January 23. She was 74.
A wonderful mother, grandmother, friend and Salvationist, as attested to in the many glowing tributes, Mrs. Richards was on Friday laid to rest, following a moving Home Going Service at the Salvation Army’s Citadel Headquarters, South Road and Alexander Streets.
The outpouring of love and gratitude for one whose influence had moulded the character of many, coupled with a deep sense of loss, resonated within the Church, and many wept. Many others whose lives this remarkable woman had touched, fought hard to hold back tears, as the moving tributes were read.
The service was conducted by Major Cleo Damon Retired and residing in the United States of America, but who traveled here specially for the funeral. A mentor, spiritual director, and faithful friend of the couple, Major Damon less than three months ago, similarly traveled to Guyana for the funeral of CO Edward Richards. Mustering up courage amidst the pain of loss, Major Damon, whose admiration and respect the couple had won and maintained through the years, admonished the bereaved family members and congregation to take comfort, in knowing that Sister Richards has gone to be with the Lord.
Among others paying last respects to Mrs. Richards were: Mayor Hamilton Green; Mr. Keith Scott who represented the Leader of the People’s National Congress, Mr. Robert Corbin; Justice Oslen Small, representing the Salvation Army Advisory Board; Hector Stoute and Retired Band Master Mr. Brandford Isaacs who read the eulogy.
The many testimonies each attested to the success of the work and exemplary qualities of Mrs. Richards who had been a member of the Salvation Army for more about 50 years, serving at several worship centres across Guyana, including Bartica, Mahaicony, Broad Street in Charlestown, and most recently – the East Street/Queenstown Corps where she shared her skills and knowledge with others.
Mayor Hamilton Green, on behalf of his family, joined in saying farewell to a woman he termed ‘Lady of Royal Grace’; ‘of faithfulness, dignity and very respected.. Having known and been a friend of the Richards family for more than 50 years, the Chief Citizen described the couple’s life as an example of what a good marriage ought to be.
And Salvation Army Retired Bandmaster, Bransford Isaacs, overwhelmed with emotion as he read the eulogy, noted the impressive contribution to the Salvation Army, both by Mrs. Richards and her late husband. “The service they rendered as officers was outstanding,” he said, adding that they served with distinction and had both qualified for high levels.
He also commented on the nurturing role Mrs. Richards played – both within her home and within the ranks off the Salvation Army. He recalled she displayed competence in all areas of endeavour. Sister Richards also made a significant impact on the lives of the young soldiers she nurtured.
Also giving tributes were Deborah Edghill, Mrs. Richards’granddaughter; Mr. Keith Scott on behalf of the PNCR; Mr. Hector Stoute; friends from overseas and local Worship Centres and the Salvation Army Women’s Ministry who gave their tribute in song.