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Bobbie Jean Richards departed this life on March 6, 2025 while surrounded by her loved ones in her home. Born on July 30, 1939, she was orphaned as an infant and spent her formative years in Jackson Parish, Louisiana raised by her later uncle and aunt, John and Arie Caldwell. Jean was a faithful member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. After moving to Charlotte, she continued her relationship with her former church on Long Island, Faith Baptist Church in Coram and maintained a special commitment to attending the annual Women's Retreat.

While married, working, and raising a growing family, Jean had a strong desire to continue her education. At the age of 58 she graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Dowling State College. Jean was a loving and encouraging mother who always stressed the value of education to her children and grandchildren, many of whom she helped to raise. She loved and adored her siblings and her close cousins who were like siblings, keeping close bonds with them all their lives. Jean or Bobbie, as she was sometimes called, had a great voice for singing a cappella hymns and became quite the jazz enthusiast in later life. She loved to travel, listen to music, and dance. Always there was a special place in her heart for children, especially babies.

Those left to uplift her name include five children: Louis Darby Richards (Yvonne), Yevette Richards Jordan (Paul), Menette Richards White (Robert), Neal Ethan Richards (Heather), and Cynthia Richards Donald (Andy); 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ethel "Susie" Hicks; her husband, Louis Thurman Richards; her son, Louis Thurman Richards, Jr.; and her siblings: Arthur "Bo," Dorothy, John Henry, Clinton, Esther, and twin brother, Bobby James "Ted." Jean had that unique blend of humility and pride, warmth and strength, that made her beloved by all, especially her family. She will remain close in their hearts as long as they have breath. Affectionately known as Mama, Mawmaw, Mama Noon, Granny, Grandma, and Queen, she will be dearly missed.

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In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to go to CORA'S Intergenerational Center or Marizetta Kerry Child Development Center.

Donations can be made by clicking the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church link [ https://pushpay.com/g/friendshipcharlotte ].

In using the donation link, please add to the memo box "In honor of Bobbie Jean Richards", per the family's request.