Carol Jean Richards

Carol Jean Richards, née Mason passed away November 21, 2022.

Born in 1942 in Minneapolis, MN, she graduated from Central High School in 1960. In 1964 she married Henry J. Richards. She gave birth to son Courtney (1965) and daughter Laura (1969).

She earned a bachelor of science from the University of Minnesota in 1964, and a master of library science from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo in 1972. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

She began her career at the E. H. Butler Library of the State University College of New York at Buffalo (Buffalo State) in 1974, serving first as Reference Librarian and later as Library Instruction Coordinator.

Carol served as Head of Information Services at E. H. Butler Library 1983-1992 and was promoted to the faculty rank of Librarian in July 1991. From 1992-2000 she was Coordinator of Reference and Circulation. From 2000-2005 she was Associate Director of Butler Library. In 1994 she was awarded the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Librarianship.

Active in a number of professional library organizations, she was also president of the Black Faculty and Staff Association of Buffalo State College for the 1979/1981 term. She was the editor of the statewide newsletter for the State University of New York Black Faculty and Staff Association from 1980 to 1985. From 1979 she served as a volunteer Academic Advisor each year to Buffalo State College students who had not decided on a major field of study.

She retired in 2005 and moved to Georgia in 2007, where she enjoyed many of her grandchildren’s concerts, soccer games and other activities. An avid reader and well-traveled, she was also a fan of the Atlanta Braves, HGTV programs, and shows like Star Trek and Jeopardy!. She became great friends with her neighbors and her fitness classes.

Carol was a kind, gentle soul who accomplished much in a quiet manner. In Henry’s words, “She dreamed big and got us where we are today.”

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Henry Richards, children Courtney and Laura Richards, daughter-in-law Debra Richards, grandchildren Matthew and Amanda Richards, and brothers John and Geoffrey Mason.

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 2 PM at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel. Pastor Danny Newbern will officiate.

Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel 770-945-6924 Share memories of Carol at hamiltonmillchapel.com