Priscilla Richards, a woman loved by many
Nothing was more important to my Granny and Grandaddy Collett than their relationship with Christ and their family at North Canton Baptist Church. Very few conversation with them were had without them talking about the church. Actually, Granny did more of the talking.
Granddaddy would just sit there in his overalls and nod. It wasn’t because he wasn’t friendly. He couldn’t hear good. If he could have heard perfectly, Granny would still have done most of the talking.
One of the names that came out of her mouth often was Priscilla. Granny and Granddaddy loved Rev. Horace and Priscilla Richards as much as they loved any of their friends.
The time the Richards family spent at North Canton Church had an impact on them. I’m sure their friendship with Horace and Priscilla went far beyond the church, but I can’t speak to that. What I can speak to is their confidence in this sweet couple.
Their love for the Richards was passed on to my Daddy. He often would say, “Nobody does a funeral better than Horace Richards. He says what he has to say without yelling at you. And when he’s done, he’s done.” Daddy had this thing about funerals being kept brief. The older I get, the more I understand where he was coming from.
Horace Richards has pastored churches all over this county. He has helped in revivals in numerous churches. His preaching has led many people to the Lord. The people who know him love him. From my experience, that love is much deserved. Every step of the way, he was accompanied by his precious wife Priscilla. The same woman Granny Collett spoke so much about.
Priscilla was a sweet and kind woman. She was a woman who truly stood by her man as Tanya Tucker sang about. She was always there when Horace was attending to his preaching duties quietly praying the Lord would deliver him. His preaching may have got him the attention.
But they were a team. In life, in marriage, and in their work for the Lord. Horace would be the first to tell you he could never have done all he did without her by his side.
Less than a day ago, the good Lord decided Priscilla had done enough. He called her home to His reward. I had the opportunity to sit and talk with Horace, his son Phillip, and his grandson Ben, for a few minutes on the day I am writing this. Brother Horace was sad as could be expected. Phillip was also worn from no doubt worrying about both his Mama and Daddy. Ben was worried about them all.
Though I had never met Phillip or Ben, I could tell they were raised by Horace and Priscilla. Their kindness was evident in their words and the way they spoke to Horace. I’m sure they were like every other boy when they were growing up. Sometimes boys have to be reined in. But the Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” It was evident that Phillip hadn’t just been raised. He had been trained by Horace and Priscilla. It was further evident; he did the same with his son Ben.
Brother Horace’s life will never be the same. I could see that in his eyes. I also know he has a deep love for the Lord. He knows where his help comes from. It will take time. Yet the day will come when God gives him peace though his loss. I pray that peace comes sooner than later.
Everyone has a different thought process when it comes to dying and heaven. Yes, I know what the Bible says. But it gives me comfort to think about people who pass being in a place together. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Wherever that is works for me.
In my mind, I like to think when Priscilla crossed over, she was met by my Granny Collett who thought so much of her. There is no doubt Granny had to catch her up on all those from North Canton Baptist who were already there. If heaven has a welcoming committee, I know Granny Collett is on it. And I’m sure she told the Lord how much better heaven is because Priscilla is there.
Some may think my comments about what happens when we die to be sacrilegious. There is an easy fix for that. Reading my column isn’t mandatory. Horace Richards is a good man. Priscilla was a good woman. These pronouns may not be popular to say in our gender confused society. But I said it. And I mean it.
Brother Horace, I know you’re hurting. But I also believe heaven is a little sweeter because Priscilla is there. Unless the rapture happens in our lifetime, she will be waiting on you.