Marisa Howard, 69, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving children, her mother, several of her siblings, and her cherished grandchildren.  Born on February 21, 1957, she lived a life defined by love, generosity and quiet strength.

Risa, by which she was more fondly known, was the oldest of four children born to Maurice Howard, Sr. and Jacquetta Drayton, including her sister, Caril Howard and two brothers, Alvis and Maurice Howard, Jr.  She also had five siblings from her father's prior marriages, Maureen, Susie, Jackie, Talj and Tichan Howard and Christopher Jackson. After her mother remarried, Risa lovingly embraced her role as big sister to three additional siblings, Geralyn, Sean and Todd Drayton. Risa added another "sister" along the way, Erica McDade; and her best friend, Sylvia Rhodes. Family was always at the center of her life, and she carried that responsibility with grace and devotion.

Risa was a proud graduate with her high school diploma and went on to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, dedicating herself to caring for others with compassion and kindness.

Risa married the love of her life, Sherwood Hayman, in 1975, who preceded her in passing in September 1991.  From this union came her two oldest children, Tori Hayman, who also preceded her in passing on February 23, 2019, and Sherisa Hayman, who married Kiyan Mitchell.  She was also blessed with two more children,  her son, Dywan, who is engage to Bee Smith, and  daughter, Jermikaa Hayman.

Risa was a devoted mother to her four children, who were her greatest joy.  She poured her heart into loving and supporting them in each of their endeavors, in every way she could.

Risa was also a proud and loving grandmother to Jayden and Justin Hayman and Elisha and Elan Matthews-Hayman, and she looked forward with great anticipation to the arrival of her fifth grandchild, who is due to arrive this summer.

In addition to her mother, children, grandchildren and siblings, Risa will also be lovingly remembered and missed greatly by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and even great-nieces and nephews, whose lives were made brighter and happier by her presence.

Risa had a gift for bringing comfort and joy to others, and nowhere was that more evident than in her kitchen.  She was an excellent cook, known especially for her famous fried chicken and soft, homemade yeast rolls – true Southern classics made with love.

She also found joy in simple, meaningful pastimes.  For example, Risa loved crocheting and spent countless hours creating beautiful blankets – twin, full, queen, and even king-sized – for her children and siblings, each stitch a reflection of her deep love and devotion to her family.

If you had the pleasure of knowing Risa, then you know another of her favorite pastimes was playing bingo. While she may have lost more than she won, Risa treasured the excitement of the game just the same.  Even more, she cherished the wonderful fellowship she found sitting across the table from familiar faces, sharing laughter and watching as other friends and acquaintances marked their cards – ink blotters in hand – ready for the next call.

Risa also found joy in music, often listening to the timeless hits of her youth, which included her favorite Motown artists like Diana Ross and The Supremes, Kool and the Gang, The Temptations, The Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson, just to name a few. Their songs reminded Risa of her joyful childhood and reflected the warmth of her spirit.

Risa was the kind of person you never forget – someone whose presence made others feel seen, valued and cared for.  She had a radiant smile that could light up any room and a spirit that was gentle, selfless and giving.  She found her happiness in serving others, often choosing to give rather than receive, and always putting her love into action.

Her legacy is one of compassion, sacrifice and unwavering love for her family.  Though she will be deeply missed, her kindness and the selfless example she set will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 4, 2026, at The Rock Church of Petersburg, 2301 County Drive, Petersburg, VA, Pastors William  & Debbie Smalt, and Pastor Todd Drayton, eulogist. The interment to follow at Blandford Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 P.M. until 6:30 P.M., Friday, April 3, 2026 at the funeral establishment.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5839377?fl=so&fe=fs