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On Thursday, Nov, 24, 2022, angels were dispatched to Suffolk (Buckhorn) to usher in a servant, our beloved Della Mae Holliman Richardson. With her loving and devoted family by her side, she peacefully entered eternal rest at her residence. She was 78 years old and the daughter of the late Nonnie A. Holliman and Theresa Scott Holliman. She was preceded in death by her late husband Arthur (Dickie) Richardson, who died July 22, 2022; grandson, Jonathan Spratley; sisters, Gladys Harris, Dorothy Harrell; and brothers, Clayton (Sylvester) Holliman and Robert Newby.

Della was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church where she was a former children’s Sunday school teacher, assistant youth director, vacation bible school teacher and a member of the missionary ministry. She retired from Suffolk Public Schools after 20 years of dedicated and loyal service.

She leaves to cherish her memory three children, Nathan Mckinley Richardson and Permilla Spratley (Michael) of Suffolk, and Alvonda Savage (Carl) of Glenn Allen; one bonus son Brian Holliman (Natalie) of Suffolk; six grandchildren, James Spratley, Jade Richardson, Jason Spratley, Marlon Richardson, Justin Savage and Marlisa Artis; two bonus grandchildren, Janelle and Joshua Spratley; seven great-grandchildren, Ayania, Kahlil, Kai, Jamarcus, Kaylon, Kae’cion and Jahsir; one godson, Reginald Holliman, Jr. (Tinera); special Buckhorn Community daughter Shirron Edwards; three sisters, Mary Harvey, Willie Watts and Denise Sherrod (Bernell); six brothers, Lorenzo Holliman (Vicky), Ronald Holliman, Herman Holliman, Reginald Holliman Sr. (Patricia), James Holliman (Marlene) and Michael Holliman (Gail); two sisters-in-law, Mamie Griffin and Francis Smith; and other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A viewing is 1-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life is at noon, Thursday, Dec. 1 in Piney Grove Baptist Church. She is being laid to rest in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the home of the Rev. Michael and Permilla Sprately (daughter), 3828 Pruden Blvd, Suffolk, Virginia 23434.