Celia Louise Richardson, 97, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 6:25 am January 7, 2023 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon.
She was born October 20, 1925 in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, the daughter of Daniel Morgan and Hattie Etna (Wheatley) Baber. On June 28, 1947, Celia married Bernie Lee Richardson, Sr., of Bluford, Illinois at the home of her parents; and they made their home in Mount Vernon. Bernie preceded her in death on February 11, 2011.
In addition to her husband, Celia was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Walter Baber and wife, Hazel, Mansel Baber, Edgar Baber, and Gipson Baber and wife, Emogene; two sisters, Fern Montgomery Warren and husband, George, and Sarah Link and husband, Gordon; grandson, Eric Shayne Montgomery; niece, Donna Marie Baber; and nephews, Walter Montgomery, Daniel Montgomery, Mitchell Warren, Jerry Baber, and Thomas Baber.
She is survived by her son, Bernie Lee Richardson, Jr.; grandson, David Lee Hicks-Richardson; sister-in-law, Juanita Baber; and several nieces and nephews.
Celia graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1944. After graduation, she worked for the Federal Government in the Registrar’s Office at the Army and Navy General Hospital in Hot Springs until she married and moved to Mount Vernon. In Mount Vernon, she worked for Livingstone Adjustment Service and Auto Lite prior to being hired by the State of Illinois as a Clerk-Stenographer in the Jefferson County Department of Public Aid. She held different positions in that office spending the last eight years as Secretary to the Superintendent, as well as supervising the Clerical staff. She retired from Public Aid after twenty-eight years and four months of service there. Celia was an active member of Logan Street Baptist Church until failing health, serving in different ministries of the church – Sunday School Teacher in several different age levels, Deaf Ministry, Choir Member, Baptist Training Union Leader, held several different positions in the Women’s Missionary Union, and Sang in a Trio with Betty Justice and Patsy Sanders for several years.
After retiring in October of 1985, Celia joined the Crossroads Community Hospital Auxiliary in January of 1986. She served as President and Secretary for the group. She was an active member of 34 years, after spending thirty-three (33) years as an Auxilian, she was presented with a Lifetime Membership. She, also, served as a volunteer for several years at Mount Vernon Care Facility. Celia was a member of the Illinois State Employees Association, and after retirement served as Secretary of the local chapter. She also served on the Jefferson County Welfare Services Committee.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will be held Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon with Reverend Alan Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Celia’s honor to Logan Street Baptist Church or Shriners Hospitals for Children in Shreveport, Louisiana. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.