Memories of Christopher "Bunni" David Richardson

In memory of

Christopher "Bunni" David Richardson

Orlando, FL, USA

May 27, 1987 - September 30, 2020

May 27, 1987 - Sep 30, 2020

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Faith Richardson

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$110.00

Raised by 2 people

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Faith Richardson

Camille Graham

I am saddened to hear about the loss of another family member. May God rest his soul is peace.

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Faith Richardson

Reflection: Mother's Day Love - by Christopher Richardson
Hello Grandma:
I wanted to write you something special. Even though you are not my biological mother, I consider you my mother because you helped to raise me. Grandma, you are an extraordinary woman. In my eyes, you faced a lot of ups and downs and trials and tribulations. You have gotten through them all with the help of God. I know it was difficult for you to raise five children.
I admire you as a grandma because you are loving, tender and the sweetest person I know. But, I admire you more as a wonderful mother. I admire your wisdom and your intelligence. I admire your warm personality. You reach out to people no matter what. I wanted to say this to you because I love you. I love you and thank you for helping my mother raise me. When my father was not around, you helped out. To me you are my mother and a friend.
I will never forget all the great talks we have had. You have advised me to stay on the right track and I appreciate your true words of wisdom that you pass on. Honestly, God has really blessed all of us in this family. You hold our family together. Without you, I don't know if we would have had those family dinners or those special family times. I know that both mom and I really appreciate you. The whole family does. Grandma, you will always be loved.
You are a trooper. There aren't many people who are strong minded like you are. I remember when I was young and was sad, you dried my tears with your special touch that only a grandma has. You scolded me when I was wrong and always loved me. I thank God that He has blessed us with a special person named Lydia. This is from the heart, Grandma. No one can replace you. Thanks for your love. Happy Mother's Day!

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Marene Coye-Baynes

2020, Rutherford, NJ, USA

My heart is filled with sorrow upon hearing the news of Christopher's passing. Our most sincere condolences goes out to you and the family.
Christopher my godson, was a charming and funny person,I always remember the wonderful times we spent together alone or with the family.
I always enjoyed seeing how Chris would interact with the family at all the dinners and at our various outings that we did.
One of my favorite memories is, he would enjoy coming to my church with Grandma so that we would end up at Friendly's for lunch. In church he would keep looking at my watch and smiling.
Though we only met occasionally in the last few years he always kept in touch via social media. He wrote me a very long letter when I was sick in April which was very comforting and meant a lot.
I will fondly remember him; my prayers are with you. Faith, may your beautiful memories sustain and bring you comfort during this difficult time.

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Faith Richardson

Chris loved Stevie Wonder...(He was his godfather, unknown to Stevie)

If it's magic
Then why can't it be everlasting
Like the sun that always shines
Like the poet's endless rhyme
Like the galaxies in time

If it's pleasing
Then why can't it be never leaving
Like the day that never fails
Like on seashores there are shells
Like the time that always tells

It holds the key to every heart
Throughout the universe
It fills you up without a bite
And quenches every thirst

So
If it's special
Then with it why aren't we as careful
As making sure we dress in style
Posing pictures with a smile
Keeping danger from a child

It holds the key to every heart
Throughout the universe
It fills you up without a bite
And quenches every thirst

So
If it's magic
Why can't we make it everlasting
Like the lifetime of the sun
It will leave no heart undone
For there's enough for everyone

"If it's Magic" by Stevie Wonder from
Songs in the Key of Life

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Faith Richardson

Christopher and the Family-Uncle Al's funeral - 2019

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Faith Richardson

Excerpt from "The Infinite Beauty of Ummi"
Written by Chris Richardson-Mother's Day
"As a black mother, nothing is ever easy or simplistic. Everything is a challenge of going to a life battle with war paint on. That builds you up differently. That makes you work harder and never respect the easy way out of things. You start to take on challenges with a confidence and swagger that is one of a kind. It builds your trust in God because you know what evil you are up against in this cold world. Black mothers need empathy. They need security. They need protection. They need to know that while they can do it on their own, they should never be in a situation where they have to.
As we can see, balancing self pride in one's culture and not getting brainwashed into abandoning who you are and where you come from, can be a difficult test. I love that you made me aware. You gave me subtle reminders that I come from a long line of people who are strong, beautiful and smart. You subscribed to ESSENCE and EBONY magazines so I could see and read about beautiful black women and see them reflected as mothers, grandmothers, aunties, sister and lovers. I am a better man because of your infinite beauty in all that you do and represent. You are my "iya" (Yoruba), "yeye' (Swahili), "nne"(Igbo), "ummi" (Arabic). You are my mom .

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Sharon Chamber

Faith Richardson

I think about how you never have given up on me or how much effort you put into developing our relationship, carefully crafting and learning from mistakes along the way. I take into consideration how you were extremely intuitive to my needs and didn't go with any specific formula for raising me, based on what someone else did or did not do. You considered me, as an individual and what my strengths/weaknesses were. You built me up and/or nurtured what you thought I needed the most, at that phase of my life. You studied me as your son. You looked at me. You saw me. You heard me. It's pretty unconventional and just so damn cool. I appreciate how much you allowed me to think for myself, openly. You gave me the tools to march to the beat of my own drum and never be ashamed to think or feel the way I wanted to. I knew the lines not to cross and the boundaries not to break and yet you did this with an insurmountable quantity of love and compassion. I never felt too free or to restrained in my upbringing. Instead I felt balanced."
Excerpt from " The Infinite Beauty of Ummi
Written by Chris for Mother's Day

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Faith Richardson

Chris would write me letters of love and appreciation for my birthday and Mother's day every year.
"I've observed you in your triumphs and trials over the years. My gratitude to you is limitless because of the many beautiful things you have taught me that you aren't even aware of, by way of your profound faith. I have seen God craft you into a warrior with all the battle scars to prove it. I have learned from you to always be faithful because that is where my strength lies most."
Excerpt from Spirituality: A Capacity and Capability in "Faith"
Written by Chris - January 12, 2020

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Faith Richardson

Giving the thumbs up at his Uncle Floyd's wedding.

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Sharon Thompson

Comments:

Marene Coye-Baynes

That’s my Chris. Always happy. That’s my Chris. Always happy. That’s my Chris. Always happy.

Faith Richardson

Chris going in for a tight hug with aunt Dorothy

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Faith Richardson

Chris with his cousin Mark, his mom and cousin Beck at Grandma's funeral-2006

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Faith Richardson

Holiday dinner at Grandma's

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Faith Richardson

All smiles for junior prom -2004

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Sharon Thompson

Comments:

Marene Coye-Baynes

Ahhhhhh. Ahhhhhh. Ahhhhhh.

Faith Richardson

Chris with Aunt May, Grandma and May's son Michael in West Orange, NJ.

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Comments:

Marene Coye-Baynes

My two godsons. My two godsons. My two godsons.

Faith Richardson

Cuddles with little "bro" Michael, Aunt May's son

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Faith Richardson

Is what sweet him? Laughs with Auntie Reen (Marene)

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Faith Richardson

Aunt May, son Michael and Chris on one of many outings.

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Comments:

Marene Coye-Baynes

A day at Branchbrook Park to see the cherry blossoms. A day at Branchbrook Park to see the cherry blossoms. A day at Branchbrook Park to see the cherry blossoms.... Read more

Faith Richardson

What a face, trying to be "gangsta

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Faith Richardson

On Wednesday, September 30th, my Bunni, as I affectionately called him, was taken from me. These recent weeks were so different, and looking back now, I wonder if he had a sense of what was to come. Last week, he was purposefully diligent in telling me he loved me and appreciated me taking care of him every day. About two weeks ago, he said to me "Mom, I said a special prayer for you." I was taken aback a little, not because of his praying, but it was something in the way he said it. I asked him what was the prayer. His reply was "that God would give you strength." Also, in remembering his Grandma recently, as we often did, he started to cry. He said, "Mom, I know that was an unexpected reaction but, I miss her so much. I am grateful that he slept away peacefully. He is in a place when there is no pain, no hurt and no sorrow.
I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, support, a listening ear and encouraging words. It lifts me up, sustains me and it gives me comfort. Some of you have known him his entire life; others met him in recent years. Please share your thoughts, memories, first impressions and photos as we celebrate him together. We love you and appreciate each and every one of you. Stay blessed.

Love,
Faith Richardson

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