Eltwana K. Richard

ELTWANA RICHARD was born on December 17, 1965, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Brenda (Richard) Johnson and the late Earl Sanders. As the eldest of four children, she guided her siblings with steadfast love, strength and devotion. After a long illness, Eltwana peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

From a young age, Eltwana embraced her Christian Faith, accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and being baptized at Cornerstone Church of Christ. She later became a devoted member of Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries. Those who knew how deeply she loved the lord.

Eltwana was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools and later worked as a shuttle bus driver for Johns Hopkins Hospital. Gifted in the arts, she taught modern dance and joyfully sang wherever and whenever she could, often being encouraged by her niece. She loved cooking, playing dominos and spades and was known for her competitive spirit. A true sports enthusiast, she taught her brothers basketball and self-defense. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday and she never failed to bring home a plate.

Eltwana was a very outspoken. loyal and loving soul; and well-known for giving out unique nicknames to her family. She cherished her children and grandchildren and cared deeply for her family, taking on the role of caregiver for both her son Jerry and her mother. Her devotion touched many, and she was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Eltwana was preceded in death by her father, Earl Sanders; her daughter, Eltwana R'Terria Purnell; her brother, Kayo; her aunt, Darnella; and her uncle, Harold.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her mother, Brenda Johnson;  daughter, Tyra; two sons, Jerry and Tyrone; granddaughters, Israel, Faith and Za'Kiah; and her grandson Blair.  She is also survived by two sisters, Tavon Richard and Cheyenne Sanders; three brothers, Tyus Johnson, Keyon Johnson and Ross Sanders; nieces, Danika (Sean), Tylah, Essence, Logan, Ceyon. Ka'lynni and Krystal; and nephews, Dequon, K'won, Nash, Keyon Jr., and Kiyon. She is further survived by her aunt, Minetta (Charles); her uncle, Harry; her best friends Myrtle, Harriett, Kim and Penny and a host of other loving relatives and friends.  

Eltwana spirit will live on in every shared story, every echo of laughter and every act of love inspired by her example. We will forever carry her in our hearts.