Obituary of Marzell L. Richardson, Sr.
Marzell L. Richardson, Sr.
Marzell L. Richardson, Sr., of Joliet, passed away at the age of 92, on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at Silver Cross Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family. Marzell was born on July 8, 1929, to the late Marzell and Lizzie (Witworth) Richardson in Brookhaven, Mississippi, where he was raised.
Marzell attended Alexander High School in Brookhaven, Mississippi, and later received his BS in education from Jackson State College, Jackson, Mississippi in 1951. He received his Secondary Permanent Professional License allowing him to teach for life in secondary public schools in the State of Mississippi.
During his time at Jackson State, he pledged PHI Beta Sigma Fraternity and received his membership certificate in 1950.
He was a proud decorated Veteran of the United States Army having earned two Bronze Campaign Stars, a United National Medal, and a Korean Service Medal. He also was the recipient of the prestigious Croix De Guerre Medal from France.
Marzell moved to Illinois where he met and married Beverly J. Martin and mastered the trade of Brick Masonry.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Marzell and Lizzie Richardson; and his five sisters, Margaret Richardson, Monzola Forte, Ana Bell Lewis, Edith Richardson, and Omie Lee Robinson.
Marzell is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Beverly J. (Martin) Richardson; two sons, retired Judge Marzell L. (Denise) Richardson Jr., and Joseph Martin Richardson; his daughter, Mardissa (Keith) Brown; four grandchildren, Marzell L. (Samantha) Richardson III, Marcus J. (Sasah) Richardson, Dr. Kierra I. (Melinda) Richardson-Whittley, and Alexandria O. (Andrew) Wermer; proud great-grandfather of Laila, Marzell IV, Brooklynn, Ronald, Micah, Maxwell, and Phoenix; two sisters-in-law, Gertrude Martin and Barbara Stokes; and one cousin, Retia Y. McCord. He will be forever cherished and missed by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation for Marzell L. Richardson, Sr. will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. By the request of the family, masks are strongly recommended in the chapel.
Interment will follow at Elmhurst Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
