Maria Valentina Richardson

Maria Valentina Richardson, AKA Wheasa, was born on February 14, 1991, in Baltimore, MD, as the only child of Judy Childs. She was raised in Salisbury, MD in the nurturing home of her loving grandmother, Mary Lee Brown. Maria was educated in the public schools of Wicomico County, MD, and graduated with the 2009 class of James M. Bennett High School. She was remembered by many for the “Best Smile” in her class. Maria continued her education by studying Marketing at Coppin State University and enjoyed working in their career center. After college, Maria found employment in the customer service field, serving as a Customer Service Supervisor at JC Penny until her health began to fail. Her sweet personality and accommodating disposition were a source of joy for her customers and all that knew her. She could warm even the hardest heart with her beautiful smile. Maria loved the Lord Jesus Christ, growing closer to him in recent years. She was a member of Complete Restoration Church in Baltimore, MD, with Pastor Glen “Jody” Jones (her cousin) and his wife, Pastor Jacqueline Jones. She also received spiritual enrichment and support locally through regular Bible studies with Rev. Eartha Harris of Crossroads Ministries, and with her mentor Cristina Mattson. Maria attracted friends and had a host of them that were very dear to her heart: Faith Harris Carson, Dylan Ferrand Robets, David Mattson, Sade Haywood, Tiffani Burrell, Cameron Kelley, and many others were like family to her, and they loved and cherished her so much. She and most of those friends had been together since childhood, and through the many obstacles and changes life threw at them, they were practically inseparable. Departing this life prior to Maria leaving us were her loving Grandmother, Mary Lee Brown; three uncles, Raymond Brown, Richard Brown, and David Brown; and one aunt, Rebecca Brown. She is survived by her mother, Judy Childs, with whom she had a very dear and special relationship. They shared an unbreakable bond of love and companionship. In addition to her mom, Maria leaves two uncles, Rudolph Brown, Sr. and Arcy Childs; one aunt, Margaret Ann Hunter; a host of dearly loved cousins including Chelsea Drake, Ferris Postley, Paytra Mills and Lin’Nyah Waters, whom she especially cherished; along with many other special friends and family members. Family and friends will be gathering to celebrate the life of Maria Valentina Richardson on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Benny Smith Funeral Home, 917 W. Isabella Street, Salisbury, MD 21801 with a viewing from 9 -11 am, immediately followed by her homegoing service at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family are asking for donations toward her final expenses and headstone. Please visit the GoFundMe campaign at https://gofund.me/8bb09363 or contact the funeral home directly at 410-546-0626.

Maria Valentina Richardson

February 14, 1991 - November 24, 2023