Arriella Richardson, age 103, of Whitesboro, New Jersey, passed peacefully on November 28, 2015. She was born on May 22, 1912 in Poulan GA. to the late William and Georgia Wilburn Starling. She was the third oldest of five children: Ozie Yancy Jarrett, Charles Starling, Geraldine Shavers and Lillie Mae Johnson. All of her siblings pre-deceased Arriella.

Arriella was married to Robert Richardson in January 1931. They moved to Whitesboro, NJ from Newton Falls, Ohio in 1934. Arriella and Robert were the owners and operators of two businesses, The Hillside Motel and the Richardson Construction Company both located in Whitesboro, NJ. The businesses thrived for several decades until their retirement.

Arriella joined The First Baptist Church of Whitesboro in 1934. She  remained a faithful member for life and was a devout Christian. Arriella participated in several church related leadership activities and was affectionately recognized as the Mother of the church. She was a hard working and very kind woman, always willing to help others in need, as she saw it as her Christian duty.

Arriella has received public recognition from both her church and community for her life achievements and contributions. The most recent was being honored by the Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro, in September 2015. She was widely known by her church family as the lady with the fancy hats. When she recently entered a rehabilitation facility due to her illness, the assistant administrator stated, "I recognize your mother from church, she is the lady with the hats".  Her hats were frequently the topic of informal conversation during Sundays church service.

Arriella enjoyed spending time with her family, particularly her grand children, and great-grand children. She also enjoyed traveling during the winter months to visit family and friends.

Arriella was a proud and devoted wife and through the union with her husband Robert, they were blessed with ten children: Johnny Richardson (deceased) Jeanette, Esther Thobbs (Irving -Deceased), Dorothy Abbitt  (Simpson), Mary Richardson (deceased) Roberta Lovett (Larry), Jean Richardson-Taylor (Elijah), Donald Richardson, Larry Richardson (Blanche -deceased), Joyce Bivins (James), Patricia Wallace (Warren), Renee' Worthy (God Daughter).

Arriella was also a proud grandmother of eighteen (18) grandchildren and thirty-seven (37) great -grand children.

In addition to her immediate family, she leaves to cherish her memory, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church family and loving friends.

Services will be held Wednesday, December 9,2015 11AM at First Baptist Church Main Street Whitesboro, where family and friends may attend a viewing from 10am - 11am. Interment will be in the Household of Ruth Cemetery.