Richardine B Gresham

On the beautiful summer morning of June 24, 1940, as the sun rays danced across the sky and
kissed the cotton fields of Garnett, SC, the Almighty God manifested his Glory in the lives of
Woodrow and Marie Brantley, as their first child Richardine Brantley was born.
Soon after Richardine’s birth, the family moved to Savannah, Georgia. Her Christian education
began at a young age as a member of Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church. She
understood and accepted the assignment God placed on her life to be a Missionary. In addition
to being actively involved in the Mission Ministry, she served in the George J. Faison Choir,
Orchettes, Floral, and Hospitality Ministries.
She attended the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools and was a proud 1959 graduate of
the Alfred E. Beach High School. She furthered her education at Savannah State College
(University) majoring in Social Science. She was employed by the Savannah-Chatham County
Public School System for 30 years walking in her purpose and God’s plan for her life as a
paraprofessional.
Love spoke to her heart and she united in holy matrimony to John L. Gresham, Sr. on June 22,
1963. In the early years, they spent their Sunday afternoons at the movie theater and he always
purchased her chocolates. During the summer months, boat rides with Captain Sam and family
and friends were a favorite pastime. From this sacred marriage of over fifty years, they were
gifted with the lives of five children…Wanda, Renee, Paprice, John, and Tahisha. Their home
became an open door to holiday and birthday celebrations, laughter and good cheer, prayer
meetings, etc.
If there were a picture to illustrate Missionary, that picture would be of Richardine affectionately
known as “Dene” by some and “Ertlene” by her brother but most of us, she was known as God’s
love personified. We will remember her visits to our homes, to the hospitals; her prayers, her
laughter, family reunions, rallying the troops in support of whomever, wherever; her constant
worship and love of God. Her legacy of sharing love and being loved shall be a blueprint for all
of us to follow.
She lived her life to the fullest, traveling wherever she desired, being the belle of the ball at
everybody's party and danced the night away on the 360 photo booth...oh how she loved it. She
was a Warrior Queen. She fought many battles, never giving up because she trusted God every
step of the way. In one of her last conversations, when asked, "what can I get you or do for you,"
she remarked, "you do not have to do anything for me. I wish nothing. I have had a great life and
I thank God for it.”
On Friday, March 3, 2023, surrounded by family and friends at home, Richardine heard the call
of God, took his hand and claimed the victory. Now the battle has been fought and the victory
has been won. May God be magnified and glorified for the life she lived.
Richardine was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Marie Brantley, her husband,
John L. Gresham, Sr. and her son, John L. Gresham, Jr.

We the following are grateful to God for blessing our lives with His daughter, Richardine Brantley Gresham: daughters, Wanda Chaplin, Renee Crawford, Paprice Simmons, Tahisha Wright; bonus daughter/goddaughter, Gena Taylor, and adopted son, Michael Royal all of Savannah, GA; grandchildren, Malcolm (Cierra) Chaplin of Savannah, GA, Martin Chaplin of Boston, MA, Nicholas (Cara) Chaplin of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Iyana Crawford of Atlanta, GA, John Gresham, Jamaya Gresham, Derrick Wright, Jr. and Kaitlyn Aiken all of Savannah, GA; brother, Woodrow Brantley, Jr.; sister, Earthell Wittlinger both of Savannah, GA; nephews/sons, Eric (Tina) Brantley and Derrick (Angie) Brantley both of Savannah, GA; godchildren, Dominic Miller, of Savannah, GA and Karla Baker of Atlanta, GA, and a wealth of nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends. To God be the glory for what He has done!