Mrs. Nina’s Obituary Nina Kathryn Richards was born in Jacksonville, Illinois on April 20, 1933 to parents John and Nina Douglas. She was a graduate of Jacksonville High School and attended Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois, where at that time, she was one of only three women of color. Nina was married to Robert Lindberg Richards on August 23, 1952.
The two next door neighbors met and fell in love at a young age. Their union created five beloved children, Linda, Rodney, Samuel, Michael and Stephanie. Needless to say, there was a lot of love and a lot of children to raise.
Nina and Lindy would always prepare large meals for their family. Nina loved to cook and her food was always served along with loud talk and laughter. Along with cooking and caring for her family, Nina was always an advocate for her children.
From her advocacy, her children learned the importance of education and the importance of being heard. As she always told them, “Get your education because no one can take that away from you”. Nina also made sure to share the same values with her grandchildren.
She would always call and check up on them while they were at school. Not only was she a mother to five children, but she also worked as a Child Care Service worker for Illinois School of the Deaf. Upon relocating to Springfield, she was employed at the Illinois State Comptroller’s Office.
Working for the state of Illinois allowed her to become well adept in politics. She kept up with politics by watching the news and offering debated conversations. Her son-in-law, Azie, can attest to that.
Nina was most proud to have the opportunity to vote for President Barack Obama. Not only did Nina keep up with politics, but she also kept up with her fashion. As she said, “Always dress your best because you never know who you are going to meet”.
Nina was a classy, jazzy dresser. She loved to shop. Her daughter, Linda, would spend hours taking her shopping.
Some trips even felt endless. Nina was always in the latest fashions. Her jewelry, shoes and nails were coordinated with every outfit.
Along with the coordinated outfits were the coordinated afghans. Nina was a talented crocheter. She passed on that talent to her granddaughters.
When Nina moved to Milwaukee, her family grew as she was so warm-heartedly welcomed by the Bonds family. She also affiliated with Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
The affiliation led to a bible study group led by Rev. Lee Roy Miller every Thursday at her Senior Apartment, The Garden Place. There she enjoyed the companionships she made, especially with her caregiver, Vickie Cunningham.
Nina truly cared for her Milwaukee family. Nina always cared for her growing family. Whether it was face-timing, looking at pictures, or a simple phone call, she wanted to know what was happening in their lives.
Nina often said, “Tell me all your business”, in the most endearing way. She was loved. Nina departed this life on January 6, 2019.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Lindy); her parents, John and Nina Douglas; and her brother, John L. Douglas. She leaves to cherish her memory: brother, Frederick Douglas (Juliette) of St. Louis, MO; five children, Linda (Azie) Bonds, Jr. of Brown Deer, WI, Rodney Richards of Champaign, IL, Samuel (Rebecca) Richards of Decatur, MI, Michael (Lesa) Richards of Columbia, MO and Stephanie Cox of Grayslake, IL; nine grandchildren, Justin (Iris) Bonds of Milwaukee, WI, Kathryn (Alfonso) Mayfield of Minneapolis, MN, Jade Cox of Chicago, IL, Miles Richards of Wiesbaden, Germany, Lauren (Nick) Riesgraf and Samuel Richards of Portage, MI, Jozzlyn (Ben) Reed of Battle Creek, MI, Myah Richards of Decatur, MI and Raeth Richards of Columbia, MO; niece, Cynthia Douglas; nephew, Frederick Douglass II; great grandchildren, Gabriella, Blake, Logan and Ivy; great nephew, Robin; great niece, Riya, and a host of cousins and friends.
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