Thelma Lorraine Cole Richard

Thelma Lorraine Cole Richard, a life-long resident of Lake Charles, got her wings and joined the angels on November 9, 2020, at the age of 83. Just last year, Thelma’s husband of nearly 63 years, Ronald “Casey” Richard, and her mother, Vernice Cole, crossed over Jordan. She is doubtlessly reunited with them and others she loved who have already made the journey. She was also preceded in death by her father, her beloved grandparents, and two great-grandchildren.  

On November 4, 1937, Thelma was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Emerson Cole and Vernice Bruney Cole. She graduated from Marion High School in 1956, and married Casey on March 17, 1956. She was a devoted mother to their five children. She was a lifelong member of the First United Pentecostal Church of Lake Charles, and her walk with the Lord was everything to her. 

Those who survive and celebrate her life are her children: Layne Richard, Don Richard (Pam Richard), Gwen Richard, Kay Womack (Paul Womack), and Ron Richard; her sister, Gwen Fletcher, and her husband, Kenneth D. Fletcher, Jr.; her brother, Ernie Allen Cole; 15 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, 3 sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law, and a great host of co-opted family, especially Lana and Pat Cooley. She never met a stranger, and she had a diverse group of friends who knew they could always call on her.

Thelma was very artistic and enjoyed crocheting, ceramics, and painting at various times over the years, but her talent as a seamstress was unsurpassed.  All she needed was a picture to guide her in making amazing creations.  For several years, she made elaborate Mardi Gras costumes and exquisite gowns and bridal wear.  In the 1970’s, she even made a stylish burgundy suit for Layne, copied from a magazine.

Thelma was loving and caring, and she delighted in her children as they grew up, then in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was spunky and will be remembered for her quick wit.  Her children are not aware that she ever rode a motorcycle, but in her last days, she told her granddaughter that she was riding her Harley to Heaven.  Regardless of how she made the journey, we know she is rejoicing there. 

Thelma’s children would like to express their deepest gratitude to their Aunt Gwen and Uncle Kenneth.  She so enjoyed being with them during the last year of her life and frequently told her children what a special experience it was and how dearly she loved them both.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 12, 2020, at Johnson’s Funeral Home in Moss Bluff.  Pastor Jeffrey Ralston will officiate over the outdoor funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2020, at Creel Memorial Gardens in Bel, LA.  

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Building Fund or Kidz Zone program at First Pentecostal Church, in memory of Thelma Richard, 320 Bunker Rd., Lake Charles, LA 70615 or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.