Richard Smallwood Mother, 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. Mr. The legendary gospel singer died on Tuesday, December 30 at age 77. His mother’s name was Mabel. However, Richard was raised by his stepfather, Reverand Chester L. Chester L. The celebration will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at noon at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden International. Dec 31, 2025 · Smallwood was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 30, 1948. Explore what's known and what stays private. 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. Not much is known about his biological father. Dec 31, 2025 · Grammy nominee Richard Smallwood died at the end of December at the age of 77. , Smallwood’s brother. “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. Smallwood Foundation launch took place Friday, April 26 at Howard University’s Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel. Daughter of Richard Robert and Nellie Weaver Locklear. 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. She is survived by a host of loving relatives and friends. Jan 7, 2026 · Richard Smallwood’s mother, Mable Ruth Locklear Smallwood, was born in Durham County to Richard and Nellie Weaver Locklear. Beloved mother of Richard Smallwood. Dec 31, 2025 · Smallwood’s upbringing was profoundly shaped by his parents, who provided a foundation of love and encouragement. , his representative Bill Carpenter announced. He was 77. Dec 30, 2025 · Raised by mother Mabel Ruth Locklear Smallwood and stepfather Rev. Smallwood. His mother, Mabel Ruth Locklear Smallwood, played a pivotal role in his development, instilling in him a love for music from an early age. 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. 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. . Smallwood revealed that Mabel took him to concerts in the past. “His mother exposed him to classical music Celebrate Mother’s Day with an unforgettable evening of music, love, and elegance. 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. C. Foster mother to many. Smallwood died Tuesday of complications of kidney failure at a rehabilitation and nursing center in Sandy Spring, Md. m. The Mabel R. 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. Smallwood was a foster parent who cared for 14 children throughout the years and also nurtured many other children in the surrounding neighborhood. Mrs. Jan 23, 2026 · Watch family and friends pay homage to the revered Richard Smallwood, whose transcendent compositions touched countless lives. Wife of Rev. Apr 30, 2013 · Richard Smallwood honored his late mother by launching a foundation in her memory. “He would hum music he heard in church,” said Robert Clements Sr. Smallwood, the first pastor at the Union Temple Baptist Church in the southeast of Washington, D. He died of complications of kidney failure. Jan 5, 2026 · The celebration of life services for Gospel music legend Richard Smallwood has been announced. 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. Dec 6, 2005 · Mabel Smallwood Obituary SMALLWOOD, MABEL R. Mother of Richard L. Chester Lee Smallwood of Union Temple Baptist Church, his Vision ensemble was his musical family. 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. Doors will open at 9:30 a. On December 1, 2005. Feb 22, 2016 · But it was his mother, Mabel R. 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. 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. mpx6sb vzqtmg ks srhus zw4ne zija3 qy gsf5o 0tl v9o