Samuel Thomas Richardson (Lansing)

Mr. Samuel Thomas Richardson closed his eyes, and went into the arms of his heavenly Father on Monday, January 1, 2018 at his residence in Lansing, Michigan at the age of 63 years. He was born January 13, 1955 to the union of Rev. Sammie Thomas and Mrs. Lula Mae Richardson in Memphis, Tennessee.

Sam, as he was affectionally known, accepted God as his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age. He and his siblings were raised in a very loving, strict religious household. It was evident that Sam had a calling on his life, and was predestined to live a life of service for the Lord.

Sam graduated from Carver High School in Memphis, Tennessee. He was an avid sports fan, and loved watching sports on television. Another one of his favorite pastimes was watching documentaries on Social Justice or evening and world news programs. He was always ready for a good-hearted debate on politics and the Bible. He was well versed in both subject matters. He was a talented artist. Although, he had a gift and aptitude for mechanical drawing and engineering, his true passion was his love of cooking. Throughout his lifetime, Sam worked an array of jobs in the grocery and restaurant business. He was a very good Chef, and did not mind telling us (family & Friends) what flavors were missing from our foods!

His service to the Lord included serving as Deacon at First Pentecostal Church in Memphis, Tennessee, under the leadership of Pastor Nathaniel Jefferson, who was later succeeded by Pastor Donald Smith. Sam later relocated to Lansing, Michigan where he united with Fearless Faith Church Ministries, under the leadership of Pastor Iris Cotton, and again served as Deacon. On September, 26, 2015, Sam married the love of his life, Yolanda Michelle Handsome, and welcomed with open arms her son, A.J. and grandson, Isaac. It was the happiest he had been seen in years. Sam felt he now had a family of his very own.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Ebony Rose Richardson; one son, Alfred "A.J." Tate, III; one grandson, Isaac Tate; one brother, Reginald Richardson; three sisters, Mary Elizabeth Jefferson, Yvonne Richardson Bunce, Sammiestine (Ezell) Goodman; three nieces, Kimisha Goodman, Aisha Richardson, Kyilah Harris; eight nephews, Kenieth Goodman, James McGaughy, Brian Jefferson, Darrell Richardson, Travonte Richardson, Jibril Richardson, D’Kari Richardson, Cameron Bunce, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of two years, his parents, two brothers, Leotis Fugua, Manuel Richardson, one sister, Rosanna Richardson McGaughy, beloved niece, Tamyi Warren, and nephew, Ricky Davis Fugua.