Rachel Richmond

Rachel Richmond entered this world on June 2, 1931, born to parents Henry and Sarah Harbison in Burkeville, TX. She was the second child of four children. When Henry died in an accident, this left Sarah with four young children to raise on her own. Sarah would meet and marry Monroe Harrod and have two sons. Henryetta graduated high school and set off to explore the big city of Beaumont, TX, where she and her “sister” would live at the YMCA for women. Henryetta then met a handsome USN airman, Deamus Newton “Andy” Anderson, and they married in Corpus Christi, TX.

Andy and Henryetta had many adventures as a Navy couple and had two children, Pamela and Deamus Newton, Jr. A talented accountant, Henryetta applied her skills working in the automotive business for years, “shuffling debits and credits.” After an illness, Andy died, leaving Henryetta a widow at 42 with two children.

Henryetta pulled the family together and embarked on a new career with the U.S. Government as a budget analyst with her first assignment in Long Beach, CA. There she found new resolve, and she was thereafter known by her legal first name, Rachel. Rachel received many commendations during her tenure, chaired the regional EEOC, and received her A.A. in accounting. After work hours, she pursued her passion, ballroom dancing, and won many awards while an instructor with the Arthur Murray Dance studio. She met contractor Mel Richmond, and the two married. They began their life together in her beloved San Francisco/Bay Area. Mel and Rachel enjoyed travelling together in their RV; their travels eventually led them to DeRidder, LA. After Mel died, Rachel was once again challenged to explore new ways to navigate life.

It was during this time Rachel was able to reconnect with local family and enjoy her one and only grandchild. She was a devout Christian and a member of Westview Baptist Church. She was an adamant card player and an unofficial member of the “Card Sharks” club.

Rachel left this world on April 23, 2021.  She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Anderson of DeRidder, LA; son, Deamus Anderson, Jr. of Bedford, VA; brothers, Bob Harbison of DeRidder, LA, Gary Harrod of Rosepine, LA; “sister” cousin, Marie Woods of Humble, TX; adored granddaughter, Rachel Rose Brightwell of Lake Charles, LA.

She was preceded in death by her cherished grandmother, Jessie Shaw Blue; mother, Sarah Landreneau; father, Monroe Harrod; brothers, William Harrod, Roy Harbison; sister, Ima Keel.

The family welcomes all to celebrate the life of this extraordinary woman on Sunday, May 2, 2021; visitation will begin at 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Pastor Dale Keel of Everton, MO will officiate the service.