Kezia (Thorpe) Richards

Kezia Ayainke Richards (nee Thorpe)...

was born on February 12th, 1942, in Freetown, Sierra Leone to Emmanuel and Kezia Desamu Thorpe.  She was one of eight children, four brothers and three sisters.  She attended Cathedral Girls School and later the Methodist Girls High School in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

As the first daughter to her parents, she was very proud to let everyone know she was the eldest of her sibling sisters and that she was born on her father’s birthday.

She married Emmanuel Balogun Richards who preceded her in death.  She loved her husband dearly and they were together for over 45years.

She worked for several years at the Freetown City Council as an Accounting Clerk, where she met and made lifelong friends like Mrs. Isatu Rashid, Ms. Lucretia Lisk and Mrs. Lois Palmer before retiring and relocating to the United States of America in August of 2000 to spend time with her daughter and grandchildren.

In the USA, she cared for her grandchildren as a nurturing grandmother and extended that care working with senior citizens before finally retiring again.

She took great care of her two daughters with love and provided support for them.  She was always a shoulder for them to lean on.

She was hardworking, compassionate, and caring and took care of her nieces and nephews.  She was always cheerful, patient and loved to cook and dance. She was family-oriented and enjoyed being in the company of family gatherings with extended family. She loved life and always loved to dress well.  She was a very generous lady always willing to give freely and assist whenever she can. 

She is survived by her children Gillian Akabi-Davis, Perina Mason and Bridgette Akibo-Betts.  Sons-in-law David Akibo-Betts and William Akabi-Davis.  Grandchildren Alvin Akabi-Davis, Adrian Akabi-Davis, and Davette Akibo-Betts. 

She was preceded in death by three siblings: Jonathan Thorpe, Rhoderick Thorpe and Tunde Thorpe

Surviving siblings: Nestor Thorpe, Dorothy Hollist, Margaret Browne and Lucia Mason, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws at home and abroad. Other family members include the Richards, Syl Thorpe, Desamu Thorpe, Doherty, and the Ademu-John families.

She will be deeply missed by her children and family. 

May her Sweet Soul Rest in Perfect Peace!

Bright Funeral Home is serving this family. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 18th, 1:00 p.m. at Wake Forest United Methodist Church. The family will receive guests prior to the service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Interment at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens will immediately follow the funeral service.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.