Funeral Information
Location:
Ruby Funeral Services & Crematories
Date: 03-11-2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Time: 10:00 AM
Visitation Information
Location:
Ruby Funeral Services & Crematories
Date: 03-11-2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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Obituary
ERNESTINE LAVERNE RICHARD passed away peacefully at the age of 81, on February 28, 2026, at 1 am. in Springfield, Il. At Regency Health Care in the presence of her family and caregivers.
Ernestine was born January 17, 1945, in Osyka, Mississippi to her loving parents Felder Richard Sr. and Alma Richard. Shortly after that, the family moved to Danville, IL. Where Ernestine was raised.
Ernestine began playing the piano and organ at 10 years old. Ernestine graduated from High School and began working at a candy factory. Ernestine was an excellent musician and began playing the piano/organ at her father’s and mother’s church, Richard’s Temple in Danville, IL. Ernestine became a Missionary and later an Evangelist for the Church of God in Christ, she also served as a licensed Minister of Music.
Ernestine ministered through her music all over the State of Illinois, where she made a part-time living playing the piano and organ for a multitude of churches, while working fulltime. At the age of 39 Ernestine went back to school where she obtained her nursing license and began working as a License Practical Nurse. Ernestine began working as a private duty nurse while she played the organ/piano part-time all over the United States. Ernestine loved her job and caring for her patients. In her pastime Ernestine enjoyed working on word searches, crossword puzzles, and coloring books with her children. Ernestine lived a meaningful life, anchored in unfailing love, honor and respect for “The Most High, and his son, Jesus Christ”.
Ernestine will always be remembered in the hearts and minds of her family and friends. Though her presence is no longer with us and we feel the sadness of her passing, we find comfort and joy in recalling the kindness, grace and determination that marked her life. We celebrate her life and take solace in the assurance that her spirit now rests in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, where her soul rejoices in God’s eternal Kingdom. Ernestine is survived by her children Tina Oliver-Wilkins (Rory), Jeleta Oliver-Robinson (Sandy), and Aneela Sarah Shafi; her grandchildren, Jamel Crowder, Arahzad Robinson, Abraham Robinson, Madisen
Wilkins, Chris Robinson, Connor Adkisson, Cheyenne Adkisson; her great grandchildren, Jayden Crowder, Jaylen Crowder, Cyron Robinson, Samiir Robinson, and Sa’Mora Robinson.
Ernestine was preceded in death by her parents, Felder Richard Sr. and Alma Richard. Ernestine is survived by five sisters and three brothers: Erma Fly (Kenneth), Felder Richard Jr. (Carolyn), Sharon Young, Gary Richard, Alma Richard, Kenny Richard, Danyal Richard and Kathy Sellers (GeRarrd). She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews, who were dear to her heart and will carry her memory with them.
Ernestine was born January 17, 1945, in Osyka, Mississippi to her loving parents Felder Richard Sr. and Alma Richard. Shortly after that, the family moved to Danville, IL. Where Ernestine was raised.
Ernestine began playing the piano and organ at 10 years old. Ernestine graduated from High School and began working at a candy factory. Ernestine was an excellent musician and began playing the piano/organ at her father’s and mother’s church, Richard’s Temple in Danville, IL. Ernestine became a Missionary and later an Evangelist for the Church of God in Christ, she also served as a licensed Minister of Music.
Ernestine ministered through her music all over the State of Illinois, where she made a part-time living playing the piano and organ for a multitude of churches, while working fulltime. At the age of 39 Ernestine went back to school where she obtained her nursing license and began working as a License Practical Nurse. Ernestine began working as a private duty nurse while she played the organ/piano part-time all over the United States. Ernestine loved her job and caring for her patients. In her pastime Ernestine enjoyed working on word searches, crossword puzzles, and coloring books with her children. Ernestine lived a meaningful life, anchored in unfailing love, honor and respect for “The Most High, and his son, Jesus Christ”.
Ernestine will always be remembered in the hearts and minds of her family and friends. Though her presence is no longer with us and we feel the sadness of her passing, we find comfort and joy in recalling the kindness, grace and determination that marked her life. We celebrate her life and take solace in the assurance that her spirit now rests in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, where her soul rejoices in God’s eternal Kingdom. Ernestine is survived by her children Tina Oliver-Wilkins (Rory), Jeleta Oliver-Robinson (Sandy), and Aneela Sarah Shafi; her grandchildren, Jamel Crowder, Arahzad Robinson, Abraham Robinson, Madisen
Wilkins, Chris Robinson, Connor Adkisson, Cheyenne Adkisson; her great grandchildren, Jayden Crowder, Jaylen Crowder, Cyron Robinson, Samiir Robinson, and Sa’Mora Robinson.
Ernestine was preceded in death by her parents, Felder Richard Sr. and Alma Richard. Ernestine is survived by five sisters and three brothers: Erma Fly (Kenneth), Felder Richard Jr. (Carolyn), Sharon Young, Gary Richard, Alma Richard, Kenny Richard, Danyal Richard and Kathy Sellers (GeRarrd). She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews, who were dear to her heart and will carry her memory with them.