The Rev. Rose Goodwater-Richardson is a native of Mt. Pleasant SC, married to Mr. Henry Richardson, the mother of two adult children and has four grandsons. She was educated in the public schools of Mt. Pleasant and holds multiple degrees in counseling and religious studies and earned her MDiv degree from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, OH. She is an ordained Itinerant Elder, currently serving as the pastor at Allen AME Church in Edisto Island, SC. Additionally she has been the pastor of Holy Trinity AME, Mt. Pleasant, Cumberland AME, Georgetown SC, and Ebenezer/Mt. Zion AME in Mt. Pleasant.

              Rev. Richardson is an independent entrepreneur as the founder/owner of a licensed daycare, an elderly care and companion service and a cleaning service. She is hard-working and energetic.

              Rev. Richardson has had a long-standing commitment to the WIM since 1994. She has been the District Coordinator for the Mt. Pleasant District and Georgetown District, the Palmetto Conference Coordinator and has held other WIM offices. Her special love for everyone, especially for the WIM, has made her a mentor and encouragement to all who know her. She enjoys praying and interceding for others, reading, singing, walking, and running. Her perseverance through many trials, business ventures and ministry make her an ideal candidate to receive the Jarena Lee Woman of Distinction award.