Pearl Brown Richardson

Pearl was born on January 19, 1954, in Bowman, South Carolina, to the late Maggie Lee and Ceaser Brown. On November 1, 2025, Pearl, by her faith in Jesus Christ, peacefully transitioned into Heaven. She was deeply loved and cherished by her family and friends.

Pearl attended Bowman High School and graduated in 1972. While in high school, she began dating her beloved James Richardson and in January of 1973, they were joined in holy matrimony. From this union, were born two sons, Melvin and James affectionately known as T.J

A lifelong learner, Pearl enrolled in Midlands Technical College and earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. She continued her studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Benedict College, and later a Master’s degree from Webster University.

Pearl dedicated 35 years of service to Midlands Technical College, working in the Office of Student Development and Student Financial Services as Senior Financial Aid Counselor. Her life’s work centered on helping students obtain the financial assistance they needed to succeed. She retired at the end of January 2017, to spend more time with her family and to continue her passion for volunteering and community service.

Anyone who knew or encountered Pearl, witnessed how deeply rooted her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was. From an early age, she began her Christian journey at St. Stephens United Methodist Church in Bowman, South Carolina, and later joined Abundant Life Outreach Ministries in Cayce, South Carolina. She was the true definition of a selfless servant leader, faithfully supporting the hospitality and prayer ministries. Pearl was always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Through her unwavering faith, she led with love and prayed on purpose with the expectation that God would hear and answer.

Pearl was also active in her community, volunteering with several organizations including Veteran Affairs and the Golden Star Wives of America, Palmetto Chapter (Columbia, SC).

In her spare time, Pearl enjoyed playing softball, quilting, and organizing events including her family’s annual 4th of July picnic and the Shady Grove Campmeeting.

Family meant the world to Pearl. She didn’t mind traveling near or far, whether to Bowman, Washington, D.C., or even New York to spend holidays with them.

Most notably known for her “Show-Up Ministry,” Pearl was the one who would always appear, whether at hospitals, graduations, family events, or simply to check in on someone’s well-being. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader. Her ministry was also felt through her thoughtful gestures, especially the $5 and $2 bills tucked into birthday or holiday cards, sent faithfully to remind others they were loved and remembered. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Pearl was preceded in death by her loving husband of 38 years, James Richardson; her son, James “T.J.” Richardson; her parents, Maggie, and Ceaser Brown; and her sisters, Carolyn “Bet” Halmon and Joe Ann Brown.

She leaves so many to cherish her memory including her son Melvin Richardson (Natasha);

grandsons Devin Albert (Bria), Shyheim “Pierre” Richardson, and Keyon’dre Richardson; great-granddaughters, Shy’Asia Richardson and Peyton Albert; great-grandson Carter Albert; siblings Rosa Montgomery, Samuel “Billy” Brown (Joyce), Frances Brown Pelzer, Mary Julia Williams (John), and Diana Williams (Bruce); special niece Debbie B. Willis-Jones; “bestie” and great niece Katelyn Williams; “bonus sisters” Mae Lockett and Richardine Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

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