Mildred N. Richard-Edwards

d e r d l Mi of

s d r a w d E Celebrating the life

Nicole Richard

aka “Nikki”

Sunrise

July 12, 1978 t

Sunset

May 29, 2021

Saturday June 12, 2021 11 O’clock Senior Pastor Darnell Gooch–Officiating The Cathedral Of Praise Church 561 S. Prescott Street, Memphis, TN 38111

Obituary

Mildred Nicole Richard- Edwards was born on July 12, 1978, to Diana Stigall and Larry Richard in Memphis, Tennessee.

In 2000 Mildred met the love of her life in that of Mr. Ricky Lamar Edwards and on January 28, 2005, they joined in holy matrimony under the sight of God. She confessed her love for Christ at an early age at Greater Mount Harmon Baptist Church.

On January 16, 1999, she gave birth to her loving daughter Miracle Renae Johnson and later

giving birth to her only son Malachi D’Quireon Richard with both being the apple of her eye. On

September 6, 2019, her first grandchild was born Milauni Nicole Johnson who filled Mildred with so much warmth and joy. Messiah Nau-jour Johnson was born on March 31, 2021, and Mildred felt complete with having her two grandchildren.

In 2011 Mildred found her calling with passion as a motivational speaker and an advocate for HIV and AIDS Awareness. Nikki found her purpose as she founded the women’s groups “My Sista’s Keeper & I Am My siSTARS”. Mildred began speaking throughout the city of Memphis, and

beyond sharing as an Early Interventionist Service Peer Mentor at Friends for Life Corporation.

Mildred traveled around the country to educate, advocate, and tell her story of HIV/AIDS. Mildred also served people at the individual level, taking calls from her clients at all times of the night -to provide hope, support, and encouragement to those that needed most.

To know Mildred is to love her humorous nature, loving spirit and infectious personality because it was always Mildred’s goal to make sure everyone felt as happy and joyful as she did, whether it was a joke about herself or displaying her charismatic smile Mildred was full of life and you couldn’t help but be drawn to her as a person.

Mildred’s accomplishments and accolades became a testament of who she was. In 2010 she was featured on the front page of the Commercial Appeal with a cover titled “I Survived” of which

Mildred spoke of her ordeal as to how she contracted HIV but not allowing it to become her

circumstance. Mildred received and was honored with so many accolades and awards that included

the Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare Hospital Hero Award, as the 2011 recipient, the 2015 and 2016 National Association of Social Workers Citizen of the Year, the 2016 Sister Reach Kim

Youngblood Award. On November 29, 2016, House Representative Johnnie R. Turner and the

State of Tennessee House of Representatives honored Mildred with a Proclamation during the

Live Out Loud Gala held on December 2, 2016. In 2020 Mildred was inducted into the Leading

Women’s Society. Mildred also served on the Board of Directors of Hope House, the Memphis Ryan White Planning Council, and the Board of Mid-South AIDS Fund. Mildred was so honored with an award being named after her entitled, the Mildred Richard Face of Change Award in which she too was a recipient of.

Though Mildred received numerous awards she was most proud to have raised her twin siblings, Marcus Latrell Stigall & Marquartta Paige aka “Bird & Duck” to Mildred these were not just her brother and sister but to her they were her children as well.

Mildred was proceeded in death by her grandmother Ms. Mary Hinton, an aunt Ms. Carolyn Hinton, her father in-law Mr. Robert Edwards. Mildred leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted

husband Rick, their two children Miracle & Malachi, two grandchildren Milauni and Messiah. Her mother Diana Stigall, her father Larry Richard, Two brothers Marquills Collier, Marcus Richard

(Lacresha), four sisters Marquartta Page (Keithston), Racqual Richard, Roena and Trina Richard.

Her Mother in-law Ms. Gail White, and loving God Mother Ms. Annie Jean Pollard-Hawkins, three sister in-laws, five brother in-laws, a host of nieces and nephews. Mr. Shawn Williams that she affectionately called her big brother, one of her closet friends Ms. Chiquita Tribblett. Her dearest

and best friend Sherray Hampton. Ann & Jim Ferguson that were her bonus God-Parents. Mildred

held a special place in heart for her physician and dear friend Dr. Marye Benard, DNP, Gwen & Dalvin Clemmons, Tandra Covington, Tabitha Porter, Ms. Sharon Odum and unforgettably her “I Am My siSTARS” family and its many members whom she loved sincerely.

Processional

Order of Service

Scripture Reading............Old Testament & New Testament...........................Pastor Darnell Gooch Cathedral of Praise Church Solo......................................................................................................................Pavia Clark-Hall Reflections............................................................................................... Dr. Marye Benard, DNP “I Am My siSTAR”............................................................................................. Jacquine Rankins “A Story of Mildred”...........................................................................................Chiquita Tribblett Solo...................................................“I Won’t Complain”................................... Keithston Paige Sr. Words of Comfort................................................................................................ Shawn Williams Solo......................................................................................................................Pavia Clark-Hall Acknowledgments.................................................................................................. Rochelle Fields Eulogy.......................................................................................................Elder Gwen Clemmons Cathedral of Praise Church Benediction Recessional...................................................................................................... “Going Up Yonder” Remains Will Not Be Viewed

Missing You I still hear your voice From a time ago.

I see so many faces But not the one I love and know.

I walk the same old streets, Hear your footsteps just the same.

How I’d love to walk tomorrow and walk with you once again.

Just to look into your eyes And tell you about my day.

It’s those little things I miss Since the day you went away.

I now pray to God in heaven To keep you in His care, To comfort you and heal this hurt Until the day I meet you there.

My Dearest Bookie, I still say I love you but now there’s no reply I will always feel your presence as if you never left my side. I remember your comforting voice and now there’s not a sound only echoes from the past that follow me around, you’re always by my side but I can’t hold your hand.

The reason why God took you I find hard to understand, summer days seem much shorter dark nights just linger on, dreams turn into nightmares when the one you love is gone, but real love never fades it still burns like the sun. Although they’re far away those memories go on and on, your spirit will never die it shines bright like the stars. I know you’re sleeping in Heaven but you’re living in my heart.

I’ll Always Love You, Rick

Broken Chain We knew little that Saturday evening that God was going to call your name In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone; For a part of us went with you, The day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, Your love is still our guide; And though we cannot see you, You will always be at our side.

Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same; But as God calls us one by one, Our chain will link again.

We Will Love You for All Eternity Ma! Mimi, Mali, Bird & Duck, Milauni, Messiah

Change of Address I’ve changed my address to Heaven, I’ve crossed the Great Divide.

I know there’s no sorrow or crying, Because I’ve reached the other side.

I am so happy to be here, For the Lord Himself I see.

I’ve changed my address to Heaven, I bid this world goodbye.

I now live forever with Jesus in my new home in the sky.

I have no burdens or heartaches and from tears I am now free.

I’ve changed my address to Heaven, I’m safe forevermore.

For the Lord built a mansion and my name is on the door.

You can find us walking together, For where he is, I’ll always be.

I’ve changed my address to Heaven, That’s the place you’ll find me.

Mildred N. Richard-Edwards 12 Gates to The City Avenue New Jerusalem, Heaven 77777

Acknowledgements

We the family of our beloved Mildred Nicole Richard- Edwards would like to extend our profound gratitude to the many friends and loved ones who have shown love and kindness during this very difficult time. Your visits, calls, cards, flowers, and all other expressions of kindness will always be remembered. So please know that when our loss seemed too great, we looked up and our friends shared so many kind words both written and spoken. With faces smiling and hearts open, you comforted us and shared our grief. God will continue to bless us this we know and keep granting relief. Our gratitude cannot be adequately expressed with words, but they are the very best that we can offer during this test. “Thank You” for lifting our clouds and letting the sun shine through.

The Family

Professional Services

Serenity Funeral Home & Crematory 1638 Sycamore View Road Memphis, TN 38134

Programs by Impact Marketing 901.300.6197