HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-2024 Honoring Mrs. Charan Jean RichardsSPECIAL PROCLAMATION NO. 12-2024
A SPECIAL PROCLAMATION AWARDED BY SOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL
HONORING MRS. CHARAN JEAN RICHARDS
"A LIFE TO BE HONORED"
LET IT BE KNOWN THAT
"The Steps of a Good Woman are ordered by the Lord; and delighteth in her way."
Psalm 17:23
OACIPvai, Charan Jean Richards, dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, Soror, counselor,
and friend was born on February 25, 1955, in South Bend, Indiana to Mr. Samuel Henderson, Sr.
and Annell Henderson.
6%Jats, She was a gift from God who understood her assignment and worked tirelessly for
those in need, especially students and their families. She was a force to be reckoned with and
used her strong voice to help those in need, speaking truth to power and advocating for students
until the very end. Charan graduated from South Bend LaSalle High School and earned her
Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana. She
went on to earn her Master of Science in Education degree in Counseling and Human Services
from Indiana University, South Bend
41014104 In 1978, Charan married the love of her life, Charles Richards Jr. To their union were
born two (2) lovely children; son, Charles Richards III, and daughter, Chanel Richards. Their
children blessed them with two (2) granddaughters, Addisyn and Averie Burke, who brought
them so much joy, love, and happiness.
GX, Charan began her professional journey as a Social Worker for the Indiana Department
of Child Services of St. Joseph County. Over the years, she served as a School Counselor and
Social Worker at several South Bend Community Schools, including Kennedy, Wilson, and
Harrison Elementary. Her journey as an educator did not end there as she continued as a School
Guidance Counselor at Clay and Adams High Schools, Edison Intermediate School, and ended
her career as the Director of School Counseling at Riley High School. Charan served the South
Bend Community School Corporation for over thirty (30) years. She was the Director of the 21'
Century After School Program, and she sponsored the Riley Sisterhood Club. She was also an
Adjunct Faculty Member for the Indiana University South Bend School of Education.
Wirsemesil While a student at Ball State University, Charan became a member of the Delta Phi
Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where her line name was AT&T. Upon
returning to South Bend, she became an active member of the South Bend Alumnae Chapter,
where over the years she's served as Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Chair of the
Scholarship Committee, Member of the Education, Internal Audit, Policies & Procedures and
Fundraising Committees. Charan was truly an exemplary member who embraced and lived the
fundamental principles of her beloved sorority.
4fi, Charan was recognized by the City of South Bend as a 2023 Black History Month
Awardee and the 2024 Human Rights Education Community Service Award. Charan loved the
Lord and was active in various churches in the South Bend area throughout her life, where she
served the members through her ministry of love and service.
6Xlimagraf, those who preceded Charan in death were her mother, Annell Waters, who passed
on June 24, 2024; father Samuel Henderson, Sr., stepfather, Lester Waters as well as her
brothers, Craig and George Waters, stepsisters, Yvonne Carrothers and Gelaine Waters and
nephews, Cameron Williams and Brandon Weston.
Was Xtmeime4 a andfr°tz g oel +maiadj :
n I. It is our distinct Honor to publicly commend and honor the life and service of Mrs.
Charan Jean Richards. We join her family in celebrating her Legacy. Mr. Charles Richards Jr., who
survives along with their son, Charles Richards III, daughter Chanel Richards along with two (2)
granddaughters, Addisyn and Averie Burke who will cherish her precious memory. Those who will
also cherish her memory arc her sisters Cherelyn (Melvin) Williams, Leslie (Derrick Sr.) Wesley,
Theresa Miller, and Melanie Boyd all of South Bend, Indiana;l3rother, Samuel (Stacey) Henderson
of Memphis, Tennessee; Stepsisters Jeanie Jenkins, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kathye Jo Waters,
South Bend, Indiana; Stepbrother Wayne "Cheo" (Leila) Waters of Daytona Reach, Florida; two
(2) sisters-in-law, Charlotte Fair of Detroit, Michigan and Gloria `Cokie' (Jay) Johnson of Portage,
Indiana; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends to continue her legacy of servant
leadership.
(2lee&in II: We rejoice in the Celebration of Life of Mrs. Charan Jean Richards by expressing the
words of Paul, which are found in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, that summarize her life here on Earth, "I have
lought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for
me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and
not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
.9#0. iii#t inif
Sharon McBride, Council President & 3`°
District Council Member
South Bend Common Council
Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, 2' District
Council Member
South Bend Common Council
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Canneth Lee, 1" District Council Member
South Bend Common Council
Sherry 1 olden -Simpson, 5' District Council
Mcmbcr
South Bend Common Council
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Karen White, At -Large Council Member
South Bend Common Council
Dr. ()lived. Davis, At -Large Council
Member
South Bend Common Council