I am Miss Patricia Mae Richards, born on December 12, 1947, to Clayotis Hebron Johnson and James Henry Richards.  I lived in the Sugarland Community, Poolesville, Maryland, reared by my grandparents, Lawrence Augustus and Ada Elizabeth Hebron from January1947 until September 1966.

On June 17, 1966, I graduated from Poolesville Jr. /Sr. High School, Poolesville, Maryland, with honors, the Commercial Course.  I worked as a Secretary in the School Office in my senior year, for the last two hours of the day.  I was graded on my performance.  I was paid the minimum wage by the Montgomery County School District.  My extra curricular activities included, but not limited to, Captain of the Varsity Cheerleaders, School Announcer,  and 2-year Member of the National Honor Society for Secondary Schools.  I won first alternate for a 4-year scholarship to the University of Maryland.

Worked as a Legal Secretary/Paralegal from 1966 to 1992 and from 1998 to 2000; spending the first 10 years in the Federal Government, Washington, D.C.; moved to California on September 1, 1978, and continued working in private law firms; retired in 1992 -1998 and again in 2000.  Presently, am working part time in the legal profession, since April 1, 2008.

I reared my son, Kevin Agustus Richards, as a single parent from his birth.  Kevin helps with the website and donates to its publishing.

I really appreciate my upbringing and heritage and am grateful to Aunt Gwen for giving me this opportunity to participate in the Sugarland Ethno History Project, Inc.  Everything I learned in those 18 years living in the Sugarland Community continues to be the basis for my success.  I especially love the fact that we were taught about God and Jesus Christ and the Bible . . . going to Sunday school (taught by Aunt Bessie Lee) and church were blessed events for me and remains that way, today.  I have so many wonderful memories of growing up in the Sugarland community.  To name a few:  picking blackberries, playing softball every day in the summer months, going roller skating every Tuesday, pitching horseshoes, playing board games in the living room during the winter months, eating all the wonderful canned foods and fruits Mama Ada made, all the fruit trees and walnuts,  Mama Ada’s homemade rolls (there is none better) and all the fun I had with all the neighboring children (which were my family).  I think the fact that all of my neighbors were family made it that much more special.  Growing up on a farm has many benefits and I appreciate all the hard work and chores as it taught me responsibility. 

Current activities include:  Webmaster, Secretary/Treasurer, Member of the Board of Directors, and Grant Writer for the Sugarland Ethno History Project, Inc.; Volunteer Worker for Angel Food Ministries and Member of Women’s Missionary Society at Grace of Temecula A.M.E. Church.  Also, enjoys using the Internet for research on various subjects, cooking, and helping others.  I love to learn and am an eternal student.