Ella Howell-Richards

Published 7:29 pm Saturday, December 3, 2016

Ella Howell-Richards, affectionately known as “Ms. Ella,” entered into eternal slumber on Nov. 30, 2016. She was born on Nov. 28, 1924, in Gold Point, N.C., to the late John and Mary Howell.

She was educated in Martin County North Carolina Public School System and was a graduate of Shaw University. She played both high school and collegiate basketball.

Ella worked as a school teacher in the Suffolk and Southampton County school systems for 33

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years. She was a member of First Baptist Church Mahan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Eddie C. Richards Sr., and her siblings.

Ella leaves to cherish her memory four sons, Eddie Richards Jr. (Denise), Charles, Bryant and John Richards; two granddaughters, Amber Richards and Erin Richards; one great-grandson, Chase Richards; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ms. Richards’ visitation will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home, and she will lie in state at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. A home going service will take place at noon on Wednesday at First Baptist Church Mahan, and she will be laid to rest at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the Howell family cemetery in Robersonville, N.C.

Expressions of sympathy and flowers may be extended to the Richards family at www.cookeovertonfuneralhome.com.

Professional services entrusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home Inc.