Wilson’s “hidden figure,” Christine Barnes Richie, passed peacefully late last month and was funeralized yesterday in Newport News, Virginia.
“Christine B. Richie was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, church member, and friend. On January 26, 1932, she began her earthly journey as the second of six daughters born to McKinley Barnes and Hagar Hagans Barnes. Christine B. Richie, or “Babe” as she was affectionally called by family and friends was educated in the public schools of Wilson County North Carolina. She attended Barnes Elementary-Middle School, and in 1950 she graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in Elm City North Carolina as the valedictorian of her class. Christine was a dedicated and hardworking student. She was always working to get 100% and was never satisfied with 99.5%. Christine continued her education graduating with honors from North Carolina Central University in Durham with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Science.
“Christine B. Richie started her professional career after graduating from North Carolina Central University and moving to Newport News, Virginia, where she was hired as a math teacher at Huntington High School. She worked there for only one year before learning that NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) was looking for mathematicians. She applied and took the qualifying exam and was hired as one of the “Human Computers” working in the West Wing section of Langley Field. A few years later NACA became NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) as a result of the Space Act. Christine B. Richie continued working at NASA as a mathematician for thirty-two years before she retired in 1987.
“While working at NASA Christine co-authored and contributed to several research projects including the Application of phase-change technique to thin sections with heating on both surfaces (National Aeronautics and Space Administration; 1973), the Fail-safe system for actively cooled supersonic and hypersonic aircraft (National Aeronautics and Space Administration;1975), the Aerodynamic characteristics at Mach 6 of a hypersonic research airplane concept having a 70 ̊ swept delta wing (National Aeronautics and Space Administration; 1977), and in 2017 Christine B. Richie received the group achievement award from NASA for being one of the “Human Computers” depicted in the movie Hidden Figures, who helped put the first man on the moon.
“Christine was not only an accomplished mathematician, but she was a faithful member of Trinity Baptist church for more than 60 years. As a faithful member she served as the treasurer for the Women’s Club. She was also a “Life Time Member” of the Missionary Society, and was a recipient of the Trinity Baptist Church Rosa Parks Award. After retirement, Christine served her community delivering meals on wheels for 25 years. She was a quiet humble person whose Christian faith was lived out in the loving way she patiently sacrificed her time, talents and treasure for her family, friends, and those who were dear to her.
“Christine B. Richie was preceded in death by one sister, Emma Dean Barnes; her loving husband, Walter E. Richie Sr.; her son, Walter E. Richie Jr.; and son-in- law, Timothy A. Chandler Jr. She leaves behind 1 daughter, Rev. Dr. Faye Richie-Chandler; 2 grandchildren, Timothy A. Chandler III and Morgan Faye Chandler; 1 granddaughter-in-law, Lorion Chandler; 2 great grandchildren, Rielyn Chandler and Reign Timara Faye Chandler; 4 sisters, Catherine B. Slade, Ruby B. Spoons, Romaine B. Harris, and Mavis B. Harris; 3 first cousins, Verona B. True, Jeraldene B. Massey and Alice B. Freeman; nieces and nephews, Julia S. McCullough, Theresa S. Moore, Katherine Slade, James Slade, Solita Spoons, Sybil Spoons, Sanchia Spoons, Joydana Harris, Willie Harris, Monica Harris, Rev. Dr. Willis T. Richie Jr., Gloria Boston, Harry C. Richie Jr., Willistine Betts, Georgene Thweatt, Bishop Carroll Richie, Randolph Richie and a host of great nieces, great nephews and cousins. All will remember and cherish the memory of Christine B. Richie for the sweetness of her character. She was truly a “Babe,” and her life speaks for itself; a job well done.
“A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2023, at Trinity Baptist Church, Newport News. Viewing will be from 3-6 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2023, at the funeral home. O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.”
My thanks to Leroy Barnes for alerting me to Mrs. Richie’s passing.