COUNCIL RECOGNITION

FAMILIES OF THE MONTH

June 2025

Richards Family

John M. Richards III was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, but grew up in Corpus Christi. His family moved to Houston when he was in Jr. High School. John attended Texas A&M, while Dolores Zamora Richards, who was born and raised in Galveston, Texas, attended Lamar University. John, a mechanical engineer, met Dolores, a chemical engineer in 1980 while working at Monsanto Chemical Company. They married in 1982 and have three children, a son and two daughters, as well as two grandchildren. Dolores has attended Mary Queen since 1984, before their son, John IV was born. John III was not a cradle Catholic but has always been involved through his wife and children. There were many times when John attended mass with his altar server son while Dolores would go to a different mass with the girls. John enjoyed volunteering at every VBS from 1999 until 2009 while his children and wife were involved. When Dolores volunteered with Meals on Wheels for Mary Queen, he was a supportive substitute when needed. He also continues to volunteer at the spring festival for Mary Queen. John also enjoyed the few times he helped with the Fourth of July parade. He also enjoyed helping the Knights with cooking corn for the fish fry’s. Dolores coordinates the Lectors, is a EMHC, and a wedding coordinator for Mary Queen. Dolores has also served on the Pastoral Council for Mary Queen. In 2012, during Lent, John decided to attend mass regularly with his wife. During this time, he felt Mary Queen was where he belonged. He entered the RCIA program and was in the first group to be confirmed during Easter Vigil in the new church. His son was his sponsor. Since being confirmed in the church, John has been serving as an EMHC at 9:30 mass. All of John’s children were raised in the parish. They received their sacraments and baptism through confirmation at Mary Queen. His son, John M. Richards, IV was married in the church in 2016. John IV graduated from Texas A&M and is an electrical engineer. He is married to Hilary, with two girls, Paige and Claire. John & Dolores’ older daughter, Katherine, lives in Austin and has a passion for culinary arts and enjoys traveling. Their younger daughter, Andrea, graduated from Sam Houston State University with an accounting degree and is currently employed by Mary Queen as the Faith Formation Administrative Assistant. John and Dolores are very happy with both their parish family and their family at home. They will celebrate 43 years of marriage this summer.