Wilhelmena Richardson's Obituary
Wilhelmena Collins Richardson, affectionately known as “Tutu,” was born on December 1, 1935, in St. James, Louisiana, to the late Oscar and Louise Collins. A cherished mother, sister, and friend, she lived a life marked by love, resilience, and unwavering strength. On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the age of 90, Tutu peacefully departed this earthly life, surrounded by the warmth and presence of her loved ones. Her legacy of compassion, grace, and heartfelt kindness will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.
Wilhelmena received her education in the Orleans Parish School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where she nurtured a lifelong passion for cosmetology. On August 17,1957, she married Eugene Richardson, and from this union two daughters, Michelle Louise and Rochelle Carre’ were born. Later, a bonus son, Juan Keith, was added to complete the family. Eugene and Wilhelmena shared a beautiful marriage that lasted 65 years.
Wilhelmena’s spiritual journey began at an early age when she accepted Christ and became a devoted member of Little Zion Baptist Church of New Orleans, Louisiana. During her years at Little Zion, she served faithfully in numerous roles, including church secretary, committee member, Chancellor Choir sponsor, and Deaconess. Tutu was a woman of remarkable strength, compassion, and joy. When Hurricane Katrina uprooted her from her home and church in New Orleans, she faced this life-altering challenge with resilience and unwavering determination. Though displaced, her spirit remained unbroken, and her courage inspired all who knew her. After relocating to Dallas, she united with Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Karry D. Wesley.
Tutu loved butterflies-God’s messengers- reflecting her free, renewed spirit and purposeful life. She loved to cook and if you had her fired chicken and gumbo you were hooked for life. She was an avid reader and could often be found watching her favorite shows, In the Heat of the Night and any Tyler Perry’s Madea series. She carried a beautiful sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and a gift for bringing joy into any space she entered. Compassionate and attentive, she showed sincere care and concern for others. Tutu had a special way of listening-with empathy and understanding. She exemplified her compassion and fun-loving ways as she went about her life establishing forever relationships at Lakeside Hair with Helen, Nicky, and Shelly as well as the Rhapsody One family. With her, you always felt seen, heard, valued, and understood.
Wilhelmena was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Richardson, Jr.; parents, Oscar and Louise Collins; brothers, Alvin and Joseph Collins, Henderson Taylor; sisters, Jessie Mae Lumpkin, Georgiana Ross, Yvonne Thomas, and Augustine Wicks.
Wilhelmena leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Michelle (Clarence) Booker and Rochelle (Dyrus) Charles; one son, Juan; three grandchildren, Chad Charles, Maya Booker, and Tahj Wicks; two great grandchildren, Chloe Charles and Skye Bass; her brothers, Herbert and Edgar Collins; sisters in law, Barbara, Julia Faye, Jean, and Evelyn Collins, Marguerite Taylor, Lucille Dugar, Juliette Richardson, and Barbara Louis; and her brother in law, Albert Thomas. She is also lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, her devoted goddaughter, Shawn Williams, bonus grandchildren, Lailah and Hiram Burton, and many other relatives and friends.
As butterflies remind us of renewal, hope, and the eternal soul, they now serve as a tender symbol of Tutu’s enduring presence—a reminder that though she has taken flight, her beauty continues to surround us.
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