Richard James Abernathy

Richard James “The Moon” Abernathy loved to smile, hug, and kiss to greet you. You rarely saw him without a smile on his face or happiness in his demeaner.
He was born on January 04, 2010, as the third child to Michael & Dafina Abernathy in Gulfport, MS. He was dedicated on March 25, 2012, at Mt Calvary MB Church. He departed this world on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Singing River Hospital in Gulfport to be with the Lord.

Richard attended Lyman Elementary School from kindergarten through 3rd grade under the loving tutelage of Ms. Jennings. After 3rd grade, he attended Orange Grove Elementary, under the watchful eye of Ms. Harrison. In 6th grade, Mr. Banks watched Richard blossom into a self-reliant student. In the 7th grade he attended North Gulfport Elementary & Middle School with Ms. Beck as his teacher. During this time in progressed in speech studies with the technicians of Elisha’s Speech & Language & learned to socialize & share with the staff of Gulf Coast Education Solutions. 

Richard loved car rides, playing soccer & swimming. His favorite foods were chicken, popcorn, pizza, sweet tea & ice cream. He enjoyed watching videos of “Cars,” “Thomas the Tank Engine,” “Sonic the Hedgehog” & “Bubble Guppies” continuously. His screams of joy regularly echoed throughout the house. These joy filled sounds will be dearly missed, as well as his singing & dancing at worship service on Sunday. 

His quiet voice saying, “Sorry,” for things that seemed bad to him. Saying “Can I have phone, please?” upon entering the car or “Lizzie, David.” in a sweet innocent tone or “Love You!” when he gave you a welcoming or good-bye hug. Richard had the heart of a child, in a big, tall bundle of joy!

He is preceded by his sister, Kimberly Michelle; his grandparents, Helen E. Spearmon and Gregory (Belinda) Branch; his aunt Jermonia Robinson; his godfather, Vondee Pittman and his guardian, Jaqueline “Jackie” Cooper.

Richard is survived by parents, Michael & Dafina; his brother, David Michael and sister Elizabeth Estelle; his grandmother, Zennetta (Charles) Peters; aunts, O’Kereta Grate, Vanessa Beckwith, Daimia Jackson, Mara Branch, Jordon Branch and Jasmine Branch; his godmother, Sandra (Mother) Pittman; his special grandfather, Rev. Daniel (Sheila) Hopkins and a host of friends, teachers & relatives. 

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