A Beautiful Flower in God's Garden

Born on July 8, 1933, to Alexander and Eliza Jane Morgan in Dinwiddie, Virginia. Bernice Morgan Richardson was baptized at Olive Branch Baptist Church. She received her education in the Dinwiddie County Public Schools. It was there that this beautiful flower first began to bloom and grow. She loved planting and tending flowers and could name each one with joy.

After school, she met her future husband, Taylor L. Richardson. Their journey together took them from Dinwiddie to Petersburg, VA with memorable visits to New Jersey and New York along the way. Wherever life planted her, she continued to bloom.

Bernice worked diligently at Central State and Petersburg General Hospitals, balancing her career while caring for her family, Taylor, Lisa, Leon, Charleen, and Steve. Her calling to help others grew through her hospital work and her leadership as Chief Operating Officer of the Silver Dollar Construction Co., LLC, a rare and remarkable accomplishment at the time for her and her husband. After retirement she really enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends.

Beyond work, Bernice enjoyed many hobbies such as ceramics, gardening, cooking, dancing, and floral design. She loved cooking so many delicious meals for her family. Bernice loved the soulful sounds of Motown and could dance the night away. She consistently made sure her children were cared for and given life's essentials.

Following retirement, Bernice traveled often, visiting nearby cities, other states, and even abroad to places like Germany and Korea. During this period, she welcomed her first grandchild, a blessing she cherished. She was a proud member of New First Baptist Church, Grant Avenue, and Tabernacle Baptist Church, Petersburg, where she found joy in her church family and neighbors.

Her family continued to grow with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each nurtured by her guiding spirit. She lovingly babysat, encouraged, and taught them how to keep blooming in life. She also extended this love to the children of the Birdsville Community, many of whom she called her own sons and daughters.

In her 92 years of life, Bernice was blessed with 50 years of marriage, four children, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and countless family and friends. Bernices wonderful memory lives on in the hearts of her children, Lisa Weatherington (Walt), Leon Richardson, Charleen Trotter (Melvin), Steve Richardson (Sejuan). Her beloved grandchildren are Linwood Weatherington (Vanessa), Lea Hill (Keshawn), Brigetta Weatherington (DeVonn), Tiffany Trotter, Melanie Trotter, Melvin Trotter, Jr., and Julia Richardson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Taylor Richardson and her parents, Alexander Morgan, Sr. and Eliza Jane Morgan; three sisters, Emma Morgan Williams, Sarah Morgan and Margaret Janae Morgan; six brothers, Floyd Morgan, Samuel Morgan, Alexander Morgan, Carlton Morgan, James "Russell" Morgan and John Albert Morgan.

Bernice also leaves memories with her sister, Barbara Jones (Scott) of Disputanta, Virginia; four sisters-in-law, Olivia Richardson of Springfield, VA, Virgina Morgan of Upper Marlboro, MD, Jeanette Morgan of MD and Joyce Morgan, Dinwiddie, VA; one brother-in-law, Vernon Williams ofDinwiddie, VA and a host of nieces, nephews and relatives.

Truly, she is a beautiful flower in God's Garden and still blooming in her new home in heaven. We thank God for His grace and for the precious gift of Bernice Morgan Richardson.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Tabernacle Baptist Church Community Life Center, 444 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.