Mrs. Malia Gray Richards

Sunrise: November 20th, 1939

Sunset: December 6th, 2023

With heavy hearts, the Gray, Richards, Roberts, Smith, Freeman, Massaquoi, Fahnbulleh, Passawe, David, Kiawu, Yudu Sei, Shannon, Sherman, Seyton, Beyslow and Jallah families come together to announce the peaceful homegoing of our cherished matriarch, Malia Gray Richards. She gracefully entered this world on November 20, 1939, and on December 6, 2023, she transitioned into eternal peace at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital in Virginia.

Malia, affectionately known as Mommy, Ma Malia, Sister Malia, Aunty Malia, Cousin Malia, and Grandma Malia, radiated joy and love. Her departure leaves a void that can only be filled by the memories of her warmth and kindness. As we mourn, we take solace in the promise from Revelation 21:3, “Death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Malia’s vibrant spirit touched the lives of many. She reveled in life’s pleasures, finding joy in baking, cooking, reading, and bringing people together. Her memory will linger forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ernest Gray, her mother Elizabeth Effuah Gray, her husband John Eugene Richards, her brothers Taweh Gray and Ernest Gray, and her grandson, Justin Carter. Malia’s absence is keenly felt. Yet, we celebrate the rich tapestry of her life and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.

Malia is survived by her daughters, Debbie, Mitzi, Adeline, Veronica, Janet, Rebecca (Baby), Miata, Augusta, Cherrie and Matilda; her beloved sons, Gerald (Dorraine), Othello (Margaret), Milton (Jenneh), Joseph, Jonathan, Arthur (Mitzi), Bill, Walker (Amelia), and Wesley; her caring brothers, Robert Gray (Rosaline), and Yudu Gray Sr. (Jestina) and her dear sister, Lucretia Gray Moore. Additionally, she is remembered by her cherished grandchildren, Malia, Miles, Emmanuel, Brian, Gabriel and a host of other grandchildren as well as, great-grandchildren, Justin and Jeremiah along with a host of other great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends in the USA, Liberia, and worldwide.