We are the descendents of Georgia Norwood, Alfred Richards and James Williamson...


Georgia Norwood Richards Williamson was born on April 8, 1877 to Reverend and Mrs. George Norwood.  She was raised in Norfolk, Virginia where her father was the pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church.  The church is still in existence.

She was married to Alfred Richards, a native West Indian, and of this union three daughters were born.  Only one survived, Valdreace, who presented them with six grand daughters and one grandson.

Georgia was later re-married to James Williamson and of this union two daughters were born.  First Laura and next Jennie.  Jennie is the mother of George and Robert Tucker.

Georgia operated a small candy store in Glen Rock, Virginia.

The Williamsons' moved from Norlfolk to Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania in the early 1920's and finally settled permanently in Glassboro, New Jersey.

Georgia Norwood was a devout Christian woman, filled with love and compassion for all who shared or touched her life in any way.  Georgia would feed and clothe homeless men that were brought to their home by James Williamson.  She passed on in December of 1935. 

Alfred Richards, 


James Williamson, or Mr. Williamson" as his second wife, Georgia, referred to him, was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on February 26, 1869.  Being a man of few words, little is known of his childhood other than he ran away from home at the age of fourteen.

"Mr. Williamson", supported himself through a variety of jobs throughout the South.  He may even have worked aboard a ship, as suggested by the story that he was provided with only salt mackeral to eat for an extended period of time.  He later said of this experience, "It kept me from starving to death".  However, we are certain he developed wood cutting skills through the often repeated stories of his work experiences.

In Norfolk, Virginia "Mr. Williamson" met and married Georgia Norwood who was cooking and selling dinners to meworking in barber shops.  The newlyweds moved to Glen Rock, Virginia.  Their union was blessed with two daughters, Laura and Gennie.

While employed to clear brush from the side of roads, he noticed that the Black workmen were ordered to work on which ever side of the road was difficult for the white workmen.  After he and a coworker protested, the KKK attempted to waylay him on his way home.   "Mr. Williamson" was warned by the rearing of his horse and was able to avoid capture by dropping down to the single tree (large link of wood connecting the horse to the wagon) and letting the horse walk home as if it were alone.  Upon his arrival home he told his wife, Georgia Norwood to tell the pursuing mob that he was not at home and he hid under the house.  When the Klan left, "Mr. Williamson" hurriedly left home, he told Georgia, when he sent for them he wanted them to come.

In a short time the family reunited in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania where "Mr. Williamson" was employed to lay oyut and grade streets.  He purchased land in Glassboro, New Jersey where he built a house and purchased forty acres of land to farm.  The variety of vegetables he grew and the hogs and chickens he raised for market were also shared by all family members.

"Mr. Williamson's" sense of selflessness, family importance, self reliance and work ethics are the major theme in the stiries handed down to us.  The first home "Mr. Williamson" built was destroyed by fire.   "Mr. Williamson" built another; actually making the cement blocks and hewing the lumber himself.  It is said that he rose before the sun ato begin working and continued to work until after dark.

On December 21, 1937, two years and two weeks after the passing of his beloved Georgia, "Mr. Williamson" passed on at his home in Glassboro, New Jersey at the age of sixty eight.


John Wesley Hutcherson was born on June 24, 1894 in Blackstone, Virginia to John Hutcherson and Ellen Harris Hutcherson.  As a teenager he moved to Norfolk, Virigina, where he tstudied to become a shoemaker/repairman and a speciallist in orthopedic shoe work.  His training of well over 100 men to be shoemaker apprentices was one of his most outstanding contributions to mankind.  As a result many have gone into businesses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

John became a prominent citizen and businessman of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was a hospitalbe and unslefish man.  He was diligent and hardworking and at the age of 75 years of age he refused to retire from his wll established shoe repair business on Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

John was baptized into fellowship of the Bank Street Babtist Church.  On October 25, 1915, he was married to Valdreace Richards and eight children were born into that union.  Seven survived, Valdreace, Rebecca, Helen, Mary, Alice, John, and Celestine.

John passed away on October 24, 1969 after a stay in the hospital following a car accident.

The Hutcherson Sister

The union of John Wesley Hutcherson and Vadreace Richards Hutcherson brought them eight (8) children; Valdreace, Rebecca, Joseph, Helen, Mary, Alice, John Jr. and Celestine.  This family was born with a gift which was a love for music.  From this gift, talents emerged throughout the family.

The 4th, 5th and 6th children developed a musical career from observing and mimickig the Andrew Sisters during the late 30's and early 40's.  Their talents grew and became the focus of many talen scouts.  For three years they traveled up and down the east coast from Norfolk, VA to New York City then to Philadelphia.  During their travels and personal appearances, they met some very interesting people who were helpful in securing good"spots" in shows, theaters and churches.  Some of these people were teachers, musicians and personal friends who had musical abilities and established contacts.  Through these contacts, the sisters obtained an opportunity to be auditioned on the Major Bowes Talent Hour in New York City (Major Bowes had the same status as Ed Sullivan in his day).  They auditioned and were selected and made 3 stage appearances in New York.

Upon returning to Norfolk, they were assigned to a radio station to braodcast 15 minutes of song and advertisements between breaks for popular products such as Jello-O, Chesterfiled Cigarettes and Bon Ami cleanser.  The Hutcherson Sisters shared a feeling of accomplishment knowing that they starred in their own radio shows.  They sang everything from pop to church hyms and enjoyed every minute of it.  Work and rehearsals were all they knew; there was never any time for play.  Togetherness was their life, even in their manner of dress.  Costumes and street dress were always made up in 3 of a kind.

There is so much that could be said about the Hutcherson Sisters in their youth and adult lives and the love for others that remains so much a part of them.  There is so much information that it could fill a book and perhaps one of these days, if it isn't too late, that's what I'll d0 - write a book!  Helen Huthcerson Brooks is the only remaining member of the Hutcherson Sisters, the others have passed on into the presence of the Lord.

Valdreace Hutcherson...Valdreace, Aunt Val to most of us, was born on Thursday, April 13, 1916 to John Wesley Hutcherson and his wife Valdreace Richards Hutcherson in Norfolk, Virginia. The eldest of eight children, Val at an early age took on the responsibilities of caring for her younger sisters and one brother. She attended school in Norfolk where her younger sister Rebecca noted, "Val was a very brilliant… an 'A' student in everything. "
 
Val moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the 1930's. She worked several years as a secretary for the School District of Philadelphia, and in sales.  She traveled on public transportation to Penn State Ambler Campus to earn a business certificate. After which she followed in the footsteps of her father, John Wesley of Wesley’s Shoe Repair - the Master Cobbler of Germantown, to begin her career as an entrepreneur.  She opened Val’s Ladies' Apparel in Philadelphia on 22nd Street.
 
A lover of the arts, Val has always enjoyed good music, dance, and theater. An artist in her own right she has her own masterpieces hanging in her home.
 
Val was married for over 15 years to Pete Peterson and enjoyed a very active social life.  She was a member of the original chapter of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Chums, Inc. and the North Philly Friends.
 
A worldwide traveler, Val has traveled extensively around the globe visiting 5 of the 7 world continents. Sharing with family and friends the photos of her travels she has encouraged many in the family to do the same.
 
Spry - more agile than many of her young nieces and nephews, Val continues to help care for others as she would often transports friends to various places until last year when she stopped driving.  She continues to be an active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Germantown where she is a member of the Fellowship Guild.
 
Some would say, “Val is a trip, but ‘Aunt Val’ is truly a Great Adventure!”
 

 

Rebecca Hutcherson Rew...Rebecca Elizabeth Rew, endearingly known as Nana, Becky, Aunt Becky or Cousin Becky, was born to John Wesley Hutcherson Sr. and Valdreace Richards Hutcherson on March 22, 1918 in Norfolk, Virginia.
 
She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in  1934, she
moved to Bloxom (Accomack County) Virginia to live with  Grand­ mom Ellen Hutcherson Harris. In Virginia she met, dated and married
George F. Rew in 1936. After the birth of their daughter Stella in 1937 the family relocated to Philadelphia, PA where George and Kenneth were born.
 
As a young women, Becky learned to whistle all of the popular songs heard on the radio and she always kept a melody. She was also able to type the lyrics to any song played on the radio from memory without missing a word. She always loved listening to good music and
enter­taining her friends and family in her home.
 
In the early 1940's Rebecca worked as an office clerk for her hus­band's business (Rew Auto Parts) maintaining his business records.
 
In 1950 Rebecca began working for the U.S. Government at the Naval Aviation Supply Depot on Tabor Road in Philadelphia, PA that afforded her a 31 year career in training and operations Her first position was as a keypunch operator until she was promoted to clerical supervi­sor, then to middle management coordinator. She retired in January 1981 and at the end of her career her position was Assistant Adminis­trator.
 
Rebecca met Bill Pinkney Williams in 1953 and a lifetime friendship ensued until his home going in August of 1991.
 
During the1970's she volunteered for the School District of Philadel­phia and devoted her time to the children and teachers at the Lawndale and Birney Schools. She received certificates of recognition and
ap­preciation for her dedicated service.
 
Rebecca accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of thirteen and was baptized at First Calvary Baptist Church.  Through her teens she served her Church by participating in Sunday school, Junior Choir, Junior Missionary and the Sunshine Band. In 1975 she joined Zion Baptist Church on Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA, where she was an active member in the "55" Club and the Sunlight Club. In 1993 she served as the Chairperson for the Zion Center Correspond­ence Biblical Studies ministry. She also volunteered her time in the Zion Church Office two days a week as secretarial support. She relin­quished both roles in 2010. She was an ardent Bible scholar, who faithfully attended the Bible Institute Class on Wednesday mornings. In 2007 and 20 10 she was recognized with the Laity Service Award and the Maude Matthews Leadership Award.
 
Her favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths."
 
Becky was the second eldest of siblings, and shared with her older sister Valdreace, in the responsibilities of caring for her younger siblings, Helen, Mary, Alice, John Jr., and Celestine. She remained supportive and caring throughout their lives.
 
As a mother and grandmother, she had always been there for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren with a helping hand, a charitable sense  of giving,  words  of wisdom, kind words of sound advice, moral support; and a whole lot of Love. The same held true with her extended family and friends. Rebecca had touched so many lives with her honesty, warmth, love, kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, goodness of heart and a willingness to help wherever and whenever she could. We were truly blessed to have had her in our lives.
 
 

Helen Brooks Hutcherson... Helen Janet Hutcherson was the 3rd child born to John Wesley and Valdreace Pauline Hutcherson on November 18, 1922. In her youth, she and her siblings Mary and Alice were active in their mother's church, singing in the choir and singing among themselves in a group. Upon hearing the group, the girls were introduced to show business, having recorded an early radio jingle for Wrigley's Gum. Fame soon found them and they were singing (a la The Andrews Sisters) until marriage called them and they went their separate ways.

She met Luther Benjamin Brooks whom she later married in May of 1942 and presented him with their first child, a daughter, Vaudine Jeanette, in July of 1944. Luther was fighting in the war and did not get to see her until she was at least a year old.  By this time Luther had served his time in the military and returned home to a civilian job at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. In June of 1946, she presented him with their second child, a son Cedric Quento. Helen was in her prime, serving as a devoted wife and mother, while working part time at a lamp shade company. She went to school for millinery and soon secured a position with a prestigious millinery shop in Chestnut Hill where she serviced many of the elite politician’s wives with hats which she designed exclusively for each of them. She eventually began a small business from her home designing and making beautiful hats and dressmaking. She would make lovely dresses and designed and made exquisite hats from scratch, even bridal gowns.
 
In September of 1950, Luther and Helen welcomed their last child, a daughter Celestine Yvonne. During this time, Helen had put her millinery business on hold and returned to being a full-time stay-at-home mom and wife, but continued to make window treatments, pillows and clothing for her home and her children. Helen loved beautiful clothes and when she couldn’t afford to purchase a chic outfit, she would simply copy the design and make it herself preferring the excellent quality of her own sewing. She always kept an immaculately clean and organized home, and passed these skills on to her children.
 
When her children were older, she ventured back into the millinery and dressmaking business by obtaining a very prestigious position as bridal headpiece maker in the bridal department of the now defunct John Wanamaker department store in Philadelphia. It was here that she sharpened her dressmaking skills as she impressed many of the most well-known and wealthiest women in society who counted on her to create beautiful wedding veils for their pampered daughters. The customers were thrilled with her handiwork and recommended her to others who were seeking similar headpieces for their daughters' weddings. She worked in the bridal shop for many years and was transferred to a different department within the Wanamaker store when the bridal shop closed. She then decided to leave Wanamaker's and worked for a time a Girard Bank.  She again returned to her home-based millinery and dressmaking business.
 
In November of 1970 she was blessed with her first grandchild, a daughter Rochelle Denise, born to Anthony and Vaudine. In 1975 she was blessed with a second granddaughter, Jacqueline, born to Cedric and Deborah, followed by the birth of her third grandchild, a daughter Valerie Lynn a year later, to Anthony and Vaudine. In 1979 she welcomed a fourth granddaughter, Victoria Elizabeth, born to Yvonne and in 1987, her last grandchild, a daughter Brianna Leigh, born to Yvonne. She had many years of happiness as she enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow into beautiful young women, witnessing the many milestones within their lives. In 1990, she and Luther took up residence in North Wales, Pa., after having spent much of their adult lives in Philadelphia.
 
In 1999, she was devastated by the death of her husband of 58 years, Luther, yet persevered on her own and remained fiercely independent through this major transition in her life. She continued to sew at times, much less than before, but still held on to her talent for dressmaking. Following Luther's death, she relocated to Hatboro, Pa., then to Ambler, Pa., where she currently resides. During this period there was much close family support and involvement with everyone in her small family.
 
In December of 2010, Helen was blessed with the birth of her first and only great-grandchild, a long-awaited boy, James Ryland Martiuk, born to Yvonne's daughter Brianna. This was the best Christmas present she could ever have. She enjoys watching him grow and laughs at the many antics that a little toddler brings.
 
She may have slowed down physically, but her devotion to God and to her family keeps her strong in spirit and in determination to press forward. She looks forward, by the grace of God, to many more years.

John Wesley Hutcherson, Jr.


Alice Hutcherson

 
Mary Hutcherson Hayes


Celestine Hutcherson Williams