Mrs. Carmen Richberg died on Monday, June 8, 2026. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1301 Alamance Church Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406. Family visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held at Lakeview Memorial Park, 3600 N O.Henry Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27405.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Carmen Wood Richberg was born on February 24, 1953, in Paulsboro, New Jersey at the home of her late grandparents Randolph and Lilian Johnson. She departed this earthly life to be with her Heavenly Father on June 8, 2026. 

Carmen's educational foundation began with her matriculation through the South Jersey public school system, where she graduated from Sterling High School in Somerdale, New Jersey. With an unwavering commitment to higher education, she attended Cheyney University of Pennsylvania before transferring to Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Home Economics as a member of the Class of 1975. She later continued her academic pursuits, earning a Master of Science degree in Educational Technology from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Her life was a testament to faith and perseverance. Carmen was a longtime member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Magnolia, New Jersey, and most recently worshipped at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Carmen's legacy will live on through her remarkable career in education, where she mentored countless students and touched innumerable lives. She began her teaching career in New Jersey before courageously relocating to the Atlanta, Georgia area with her six-year-old son, Karl Wood. In Atlanta, Carmen met the love of her life, Samuel Richberg, while they both served as educators at Dunwoody High School in DeKalb County.

For a brief time, Carmen was employed by Gilbarco in Greensboro before returning to her true calling in education with Guilford County Schools. Her longest tenure was at Smith High School in Greensboro, where she served as Media Coordinator and found great joy in advancing education through technology. Carmen took particular pride in her leadership of Smith High School's NovaNET program, helping students complete the coursework necessary to become eligible for college admission.

The stories of the lives she impacted are many. One of the success stories, among many that she cherished deeply, was that of Eric Ebron, who completed his NovaNET coursework under her guidance, earned admission to UNC Chapel Hill, excelled as a football player, and ultimately achieved his dream of being drafted into the NFL. She also often spoke affectionately of Deon Clark, a former Smith High School student who later became one of her strongest prayer warriors and had the sacred honor of serving as eulogist for both her beloved son, Brandon, and now for her own homegoing celebration. Carmen retired from Guilford County Schools after a distinguished career in education.

Carmen had an unconditional love for her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ruth Victoria Wood; her dad, William "Pete" Smith; brother Michael Smith, and her beloved son, Brandon "Bran-Bran" Samuel Karlton Richberg, who preceded her in death on September 22, 2025.

After the passing of her father, Ruth married Mr. "Pete," who lovingly stepped into the role of father to Carmen when she was seven years old. Carmen affectionately called him "Dad," as he poured into her life the strength, compassion, provision, and guidance that reflected God's own heart for His children. She often shared cherished stories of growing up in South Jersey with her beloved parents, her late brother Michael, and her brother Glenn, memories that remained close to her heart throughout her life.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Samuel Matthew Richberg; her children, Karl Wood and Shayla Richberg, Greensboro, North Carolina; her grandson, Garrett Wood, Greensboro, NC; her brother, Glenn (Arnita) Smith), New Castle, Delaware; Nadia (Clayton) Jones), whom she loved and embraced as her own daughter; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Carmen profoundly impacted her beloved family, friends, former students, and all who were blessed to know her. We thank God for the gift of her life and celebrate a legacy of faith, love, service, and education that will endure for generations to come. Carmen’s memory will continue to inspire and uplift all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Rest in Peace Princess Warrior!

A Husband's Tribute to Carmen

By Her Loving Husband, Sam

Today, we gather to remember and celebrate a life that touched our hearts in countless ways. As I reflect on Carmen's life and the years we shared together, one truth stands above all else:

When everything is said and done, the only thing that truly matters is who you have loved and who has loved you.

Carmen was deeply loved.

She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, a caring sister, and a faithful friend. She had a way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply her presence, she left an imprint on the lives of those who knew her.

Together, we built a family and a life filled with memories. We were blessed with three wonderful children, and though we have endured the unimaginable pain of losing one of them, Carmen's love for each of our children never wavered.  Her family was one of her greatest joys, and she treasured every moment spent with them and with her grandchildren.

One of the things that made Carmen uniquely herself was her love for technology. Long before computers and smart devices became a part of everyday life, Carmen was fascinated by what they could do. She enjoyed exploring, experimenting, and learning about computers, software, and new technologies. She delighted in finding ways to make things work better, easier, and more connected. In many ways, Carmen embraced he future before the rest of us caught up.

But beyond her love of technology was an even greater love—her faith.

Carmen cherished our Sunday morning Adult Kingdom Group. She looked forward to studying God's Word and growing in her understanding of His promises. In fact, one of the very last things she said to me was, "Did you study the lesson for Sunday?"

That simple question says so much about who she was. Even in her final days, her heart and mind were fixed on faith, fellowship, and the things of God.

I realize how blessed I was to walk through life with her. We shared joys and sorrows, victories and challenges, ordinary days and extraordinary moments. Through it all, she was my companion, my partner, and my friend.

Carmen, you were a good wife. You loved your family well. You loved your friends well. You loved your church family well. Most importantly, you loved the Lord.

I will miss your voice, your smile, your curiosity, and the many little things that made our house a home. But I am grateful for the years we shared and for the countless memories that will remain in my heart forever.

Thank you for your love.

Thank you for your faith.

Thank you for the life we built together.

I love you, and I always will.

— Your Husband, Sam