Obituary of Mary Ruth Richardson

Mary Ruth Taylor Richardson was born in Auburn, Ala-
bama on August 31st, 1938 to the late Alice B. Johnson                                                                                         and Darden Johnson Sr. She attended Lee County High
School. She moved to Rochester NY with her late
husband, Fred Ike Taylor Sr. in 1956. From this union
six loving children were produced: Fred Ike Taylor Jr.
(Donna Wyatt), Marcella A. Taylor (John Lee), Connie
Harris (Claude), Jerome Taylor (Angie), Valeria James
(Calvin) and Wayne Taylor.

Mary was widowed at a young age but though her spirit,
faith, family support and grit she was able to raise her
six children in a loving and wholesome household. As
a “young black woman” with five young kids and a
sixth on the way, opportunities were limited but
somehow she persevered, showing the true strength
that is the hallmark of all the Johnson women. Later in
life she remarried Lorenzo Richardson, where a loving
stepdaughter Angelica Barber was added to her family.
Mary worked many jobs to support her family
culminating in a 30+ year career at Eastman Kodak where
she retired with the gratitude, support and the love of
many colleagues.

Mary was affectionately known by the people that loved
and knew her best as “Ruth”. Ruth’s life passions were
serving the church, caring for her kids and babysitting
children. To Ruth’s best recollection, at some point in
time she helped raise well over 150 children, including
relatives, friends, and neighbors. Her door was always                                                                                      open, taking in many families through the years that need-
ed a helping hand. In her later years, she really enjoyed traveling.

Though a bit slower, she could still out walk folks half
her age, allowing her to finally travel the country, visiting
family and friends and creating many lasting memories.
Ruth had a generous spirit that impacted so many lives.
She will be greatly missed by all those that loved her
deeply.

Ruth was baptized in Jesus name at Christ Tabernacle
Church and was a devoted servant of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ, filling her with the Holy Ghost. Ruth was a
long time, faithful member of True Saints Temple where
she served on the Usher Board, kitchen ministry and in
the Missionary Department. Her favorite bible verse was
Psalm 90 which she read faithfully every morning and
night. God called her home on August 5, 2021. She is
greatly loved by family and friends and will continue
to impact many lives.

Mary left a lasting legacy to cherish her memory: a
stepdaughter Angelica Barber of Syracuse, New
York; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2
great-great-grandchildren; her cherished siblings:
Pearl Watson of Rochester, New York, Minnie
Washington of Rochester, New York, Darden Johnson, Jr.
of Houston, Texas; brother-in-law Walter Philpot of
Atlanta, Georgia and a host of nieces & nephews,
great-nieces and great-nephews. Mary is predeceased by
her daughter Valerie James; siblings: Ella Mae Johnson,
Ethel Lee Philpot, Augustus Thomas, Albert Thomas
and Dorothy Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers the family ask to consider a donation to the church.

The True Saints Temple of the Apostolic Faith, 100 Brooks Avenue, Rochester, NY 14619

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