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The Hampton Student, The Educator, The Hampton Lady: A Tribute to Sabrina Wilkins Richards
by Wayne J. Richards
LTC Retired U.S. Army Hampton University
Class of 1977
As I reflect on the life of my former classmate and girlfriend at Hampton Institute/University during the years 1973-1977, and the love of my life as my wife for over 45 years, I want to honor her memory by giving back to our “Home by the Sea”.
Sabrina Wilkins Richards loved our alma mater and she loved her major, English Education. She loved the mentorship, wisdom, and experiences that her classmates, the professors, administrators, and staff poured into her during her time there. The value of her experiences at Hampton University cannot be overstated, measured, nor calculated! These experiences can only be honored and appreciated by giving back in ways that only we can. Sabrina would want to bless the English Department and Hampton University for all they did to make her life a blessing to the many people she came to know and meet.
Sabrina graduated from Andrew Jackson High School, in Queens, NY in 1973. Choosing Hampton Institute as her next destination, she entered the freshman class the summer of 1973. Sabrina had a love for language which drew her to earning her Degree in English from Hampton Institute in December of 1976, ahead of her New Birth class of 1977.
Sabrina enjoyed a long and impactful love for education. She earned her Master’s in Education from Webster University and Educational Specialist degree from George Washington University. Her career included teaching at Princess Anne Elementary School in Virginia Beach, the Department of Defense Education System in Germany, Havre de Grace High School in Havre de Grace, Maryland, and Truitt Elementary in Chesapeake, VA. She also served as Assistant Principal at Sparrow Road Elementary and Principal of Georgetown Elementary Schools in Chesapeake, Virginia. Sabrina retired from the Chesapeake Public Schools Administration as Director of Instruction and Attendance in July 2017. She was often praised and received many accolades for her service as Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Central Office Administrator.
Sabrina loved her church, community, and her university. She was an active and devoted member of The Mount Global Fellowship of Churches in Chesapeake, VA under the leadership of Bishop K.W. Brown where she made a tremendous impact in changing the lives of many people. They were her encouragement, inspiration, and hope for a better world. Sabrina was a member of the Diaconate, Pastor’s Aide, and the Department Head for Family Life. She served as the principle instructor for the Marriage Ministry and Ministers in Training programs. Additionally, Sabrina was a dedicated and lifelong member of her beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was also an active member of Jack and Jill of America, the Girl Scouts of America, and the Hampton University Alumni Association.
Sabrina loved to write poems, short stories, and was an avid reader. Some of her poems have been copy written and used by organizations for which she was affiliated. She wrote the poem “Hampton Lady” an account written to reflect, inspire, and to demonstrate the excellence and beauty of women who attended Hampton University. She also wrote “Lemonade” a short letter that she shared to capture her state of mind and determination to live life to the fullest all while dealing with her illness. Her final labor of love is a book entitled “Unheard Melodies” for which she co-authored with her dear friend and college classmate, Mrs. Denys Brown Davis. It is sure to be a best seller! Sabrina also wrote me numerous love letters during our years together for which I still read on certain occasions. God gave me a Hampton Lady and I’m giving back to Hampton University, the school that gave so much to her!
In Loving Memory, Wayne J. Richards LTC Retired U.S. Army Hampton University Class of 1977
“Unheard Melodies”
A HAMPTON LADY
A Hampton Lady is a song;
She is a melody that resonates long after she is gone.
A Hampton Lady is oxygen;
She is a breath of fresh air and the wind beneath the wings of those she loves.
A Hampton Lady is the beat of a drum;
She is the Pirate Force that says, “You Can Do It!”
A Hampton Lady is sunshine;
She is the aroma of Spring that lingers long past the winter of her life.
A Hampton Lady is the rain;
Her tears and faith and friendships are what renew her strength.
A Hampton Lady is earth;
She is the soil that anchors the Emancipation Oak of a free spirit.
A Hampton Lady is fire;
She is the spark that lights a blessing in any situation.
A Hampton Lady is love;
She is an unconditional giver without the expectation of reciprocation.
A Hampton Lady is STRONG because:
She shares the joys and celebrations, the pain and sorrows, the laughter and the tears; and imparts a piece of her own strength to her sister Hampton Lady when it is needed.
A HAMPTON LADY IS SPECIAL!
Sabrina Richards
2008
In life, we are all on a journey to fulfill our “dash.” A part of our dash includes the places and spaces we take up and the lives we touch. Like Mrs. Richards, you too can leave a lasting legacy for generations to come that will excel and propel Hamptonians into the next dimension of their destiny. We beckon you to give back today so that when you have fulfilled your life’s journey, you can rest well knowing that you positioned Hampton University into a direct jump for greatness.
