Richard Smallwood Mother, First Baptist Church of Glenarden International is located at 600 Watkins Dec 31, 2025 · Richard stated that, as per one of his relatives, his mother’s marriage to Chester was the reason he achieved so much. They, along with other family members, left the Cain Plantation (Hardscrabble as it was known then) in Orange County and settled in the bustling Hayti community. Mrs. m. Feb 22, 2016 · But it was his mother, Mabel R. Jan 5, 2026 · The celebration of life services for Gospel music legend Richard Smallwood has been announced. . “His mother exposed him to classical music Celebrate Mother’s Day with an unforgettable evening of music, love, and elegance. Jan 23, 2026 · Watch family and friends pay homage to the revered Richard Smallwood, whose transcendent compositions touched countless lives. He was 77. He died of complications of kidney failure. Dec 6, 2005 · Mabel Smallwood Obituary SMALLWOOD, MABEL R. , his representative Bill Carpenter announced. Smallwood died Tuesday of complications of kidney failure at a rehabilitation and nursing center in Sandy Spring, Md. Speaking about his mother, Richard said that she would hear his hymns at the church and bring a toy piano when he was around two years old. Dec 31, 2025 · Smallwood was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 30, 1948. The Mabel R. Jan 7, 2026 · Richard Smallwood’s mother, Mable Ruth Locklear Smallwood, was born in Durham County to Richard and Nellie Weaver Locklear. Dec 30, 2025 · Richard Smallwood, an eight-time Grammy® Award-nominated, classically trained composer and gospel recording artist, died on Tuesday, December 30th @ 12:36 AM at the Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. C. Wife of Rev. Over the last five decades, he’s written some […] Feb 2, 2026 · Richard Smallwood's children remain a talking point as supporters seek insight into his family life off stage. Chester L. The celebration will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at noon at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden International. Smallwood, the first pastor at the Union Temple Baptist Church in the southeast of Washington, D. Smallwood was a foster parent who cared for 14 children throughout the years and also nurtured many other children in the surrounding neighborhood. Smallwood revealed that Mabel took him to concerts in the past. His mother’s name was Mabel. Over the last five decades, he’s written some of the biggest songs of the gospel music genre […] 5 days ago · Before Richard Smallwood became a gospel great, he was a 2-year-old humming hymns in his crib. Daughter of Richard Robert and Nellie Weaver Locklear. , Smallwood’s brother. 24), as family and friends of the composer (December 30, 2025 – Sandy Spring, MD) Richard Smallwood, an eight-time Grammy® Award nominated, classically trained composer and gospel recording artist, died on Tuesday, December 30th @ 12:36 AM at the Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Not much is known about his biological father. Apr 30, 2013 · Richard Smallwood honored his late mother by launching a foundation in her memory. Several attended […] Jan 24, 2026 · UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland (RNS) — Thousands of fans of gospel music giant Richard Smallwood bid him farewell in a music-filled funeral on Saturday (Jan. Explore what's known and what stays private. She is survived by a host of loving relatives and friends. Doors will open at 9:30 a. The legendary gospel singer died on Tuesday, December 30 at age 77. Smallwood. Chester Lee Smallwood of Union Temple Baptist Church, his Vision ensemble was his musical family. Dec 31, 2025 · Smallwood’s upbringing was profoundly shaped by his parents, who provided a foundation of love and encouragement. Dec 31, 2025 · Grammy nominee Richard Smallwood died at the end of December at the age of 77. Mr. “He would hum music he heard in church,” said Robert Clements Sr. Foster mother to many. Mother of Richard L. However, Richard was raised by his stepfather, Reverand Chester L. A toddler offering melodies from a tiny piano, a child staging his toys into a make-believe choir, a born impresario already blessing the world with his gifts. Beloved mother of Richard Smallwood. This special dinner concert blends soulful jazz, smooth R&B, and an inspiring gospel tribute to Richard Smallwood—perfect for honoring the incredible women in your life. Dec 30, 2025 · Raised by mother Mabel Ruth Locklear Smallwood and stepfather Rev. Smallwood Foundation launch took place Friday, April 26 at Howard University’s Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel. His mother, Mabel Ruth Locklear Smallwood, played a pivotal role in his development, instilling in him a love for music from an early age. On December 1, 2005. Smallwood, who helped him develop an ear for all kinds of music -- exposing him to everything from classical to jazz to opera to show tunes and a variety of artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Rachmaninoff, and the Roberta Martin Singers. “We are saddened to announce the passing of world-renowned artist, songwriter, and musician, Richard Smallwood Dec 31, 2025 · Richard Smallwood, a gospel singer and recording artist nominated eight times for Grammy Awards, has died. oav d49 zz9h6w e1 ug 7gee emifhge bi zrm7p prvwpw