8-page Obituary of Albert Richardson

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of SUNRISE October 24, 1945

SUNSET March 17, 2021

FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 AM

Albert Jacob

RICHARDSON TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021 Word In Action Christian Center 19760 Meyers Detroit, MI 48235 Apostle Clarence Langston, Officiating

To My Husband Albert Thank You for Your Endless Love that will help me Through Each Day And Thank you For the Memories That Will Never Fade Away You are the Man I Love I Was Proud to Be Your Wife And every day, In Some Small Way, I will Celebrate Your Life As Long as Memories Last You Will Stay in My Heart.

And though it’s hard to think about the way things were before When we are reunited, it will be forevermore!

Your Loving Wife, Marva

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Order of Service Processional

Psalm 91

Call to Worship

Pastor Paul Thornton

The Lord's Prayer

Minister Jeanae Saunders

Musical Selection

Praise Team

Scriptures Reading 1 Old Testament

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Angela Wafer

New Testament

Sharon Sims

Acknowledgement of Cards and Condolences, and Reading of the Obituary

Ms. Patricia Brewer

Special Remarks

Patricia Ware

Nicole Aigner

Carmen Stiger

Musical Selection

Psalmist Peggy James

Eulogy

Apostle Clarence Langston

Benediction

Apostle Clarence Langston Recessional

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."

St. John 11:25-26

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Obituary for

Albert Jacob

RICHARDSON Albert Jacob Richardson, Jr. was born on October 25, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan to Bernice and Albert Richardson, Sr. who preceded him in death. Albert’s “Last Alarm” came peacefully on March 17, 2021. He was the 2nd son of six children raised in a devoted family.

Albert received his formal education at Saint Theresa in Detroit, Michigan. He later attended Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti Michigan where he received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Fire Science.

Albert loved God and his family, embraced life, was knowledgeable about a wide range of topics, sought to deliver his best, and worked to his full potential. He began his firefighter’s career with the City of Detroit on June 2, 1969 and retired on September 1, 2005. He held the following ranks in the Fire Fighting Division: Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief.

As a member of the Detroit Fire Fighters Association, IAFF- Local 344, Albert held the positions of 2nd Battalion Director, Treasurer and Vice President.

Albert adhered to the Firefighter’s Oath: I am bound to protect those who are in danger, those in times of need, and those who I serve. He also believed God; then I heard the voice of the Lord saying:” Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And he said.

“Here am I, Send me!” Isaiah 6:8. His love of both God and firefighting propelled him through the ranks of the fire department to ultimately become the City of Detroit’s Chief of Department in 2003.

As a young man, and in adult life, Albert was a jokester; and loved to play jokes on his siblings. He was the consummate prankster. He was a joy to be around and was a very caring individual who enjoyed a good conversation. He was also a collector of fire engines.

Albert met the love of his life Marva and entered into Holy Matrimony on November 30,

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1974. For almost 46 years, they lived their vows-for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.

The miracle and testimony of Albert’s life was that he was a fighter. He fought until the end. He remained steady in his faith. Albert was a faithful member of Word In Action Christian Center International.

Albert was preceded in death, by his parents; brothers; Harry Richardson and Michael Richardson.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory: his wife, Marva Richardson; sisters- Patricia Ware ( Jerry), Phyllis Payton (Samuel); Brothers-Anthony Richardson (Selena), Maurice Beckwith; daughter Umckia Smiley ( John); Goddaughter Tracee Bates; Godson and Goddaughter Apostle Clarence & Pastor Robyn Langston and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Albert had many loves in life, but the ones that thrilled him the most were those who referred to him as Uncle, Uncle Albert, Daddy, Daddy Albert, Grand Daddy and Grand Daddy Albert.

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Albert Jacob

RICHARDSON Pallbearers

Martin Stiger Nicholas Stiger Samuel Payton, IV Christian Richardson Harry Richardson Jr. Edward Williamson

Flower Pallbearers Family Members

Arrangements Entrustment to O.H. Pye, III Funeral Home 17600 Plymouth Road Detroit, MI 48227

Interment Mt. Elliot Cemetery 1701 Mt. Elliott Street Detroit, MI 48207

Acknowledgments The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many comforting messages, floral tributes, prayers and many other expressions of kindness and concern evidenced at this time, in thought and deed.

A more personal acknowledgment will be made at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations are sent to Saint Jude’s Children Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee located at 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 in Memory of Albert Jacob Richardson, Jr.

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