Obituary

Gercia Lee Lewis Richardson

September 17, 1931 - June 14, 2025

Gercia Lee Lewis Richardson was born on September 17, 1931, in Bassfield, Mississippi, to the late T. J. Lewis and Mattie Holloway Lewis. Raised in a hardworking and faith-driven household, Gercia developed a love for learning early in life. Though her father moved to Chicago for work, he sent books home to her regularly—books she studied with determination, helping her become a top student.

A gifted and curious learner, Gercia was an avid reader, fluent in French, and had a deep love for music. She sang opera, jazz, and blues, and was once invited to join a professional band. While pregnant with her first son, she taught herself to play both the saxophone and the piano—just one example of her remarkable drive and talent.

In 1947, at the age of 16, Gercia graduated with top honors from Central Memorial High School and earned a full academic scholarship to Dillard University. During her high school years, she met Alvin Richardson, who introduced her to the Bible truths taught by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Gercia embraced this knowledge wholeheartedly and was baptized in September 1949. Just a month later, on October 15, 1949, she married Alvin, and together they raised eight children.

Her greatest joy and focus in life was sharing the good news of God’s Kingdom. For many years, she served faithfully as an auxiliary and regular pioneer. Living next door to the Kingdom Hall, her home became a warm and welcoming space for traveling overseers, pioneers, Bible students, and friends. Gercia extended hospitality in countless ways—offering meals, accommodations, and transportation—always with a joyful and generous spirit.

She participated actively in Kingdom Hall construction projects, attended Pioneer Service School in 1984, and supported the congregation in many unseen but deeply impactful ways—such as typing news releases for her husband’s work in the Public Relations Department, playing piano at assemblies, and encouraging others through care packages and personal example.

Professionally, Gercia wore many hats. She worked as a substitute teacher from 1954 to 1976, with her final years in special education. A licensed cosmetologist, she owned and operated her own beauty salon for 16 years. Later, she took on many roles including certified nursing assistant, personal caregiver, physician’s assistant, tutor, and entrepreneur. She crocheted, sewed, made jewelry, and wrote insurance policies—often traveling into rural areas to serve clients. Always industrious, always giving.

She is survived by her daughter, Terria R. Boyd of Bogalusa, LA; sons Rodney Richardson of Gonzales, LA, Russel Richardson of Houma, LA, and Benjamin Richardson (Sharon) and Vernon Richardson (Ora), both of New Iberia, LA; her sister, Mary (Lee) Ruffin of Houma, LA; and a host of beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Alvin Richardson Sr.; sons Alvin Jr., William J., and Sterling K. Richardson; her parents, T. J. and Mattie Lewis; and her maternal grandparents, Eugene and Alice Thompson.

Sister Gercia Richardson lived a life rooted in faith, filled with love, and defined by service. Her example, her strength, and her warmth leave a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who knew her. She finished her race faithful and full of hope in Jehovah’s promise of the resurrection.

For those who wish to express their condolences: Floral arrangements may be sent to the service address prior to the service.

Monetary contributions may be made via Zelle to Terria Richardson Boyd (985) 516-9673.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 2pm at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 1017 City Limit Road in Bogalusa, LA 70427. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home – Bogalusa are in charge of arrangements.

Sister Terria Boyd is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Here is the information for the Zoom:

• Tap on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84466926377?pwd=kpxYggk3qSoYnP8wQS4bHjWZpmXaz8.1 to automatically connect

• Time: Jun 28, 2025 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)