Cashmerette Richardson

Our beautiful ancestor, Cashmerette Richardson (Shorter), lovingly known as “Cash,” lived a vibrant, authentic life full of passion, resilience, and individuality. She followed her own path, embracing life boldly and on her own terms.

Grounded and strong, Cash overcame adversity while cherishing both peaceful solitude and time with family and friends. She especially loved being with her children any time their paths crossed and life brought them together.

She found joy in simple, creative pleasures such as music, singing, dancing, cooking, nature, and caring for her beloved rescue cats. She also expressed herself through art, writing, drawing, and hairstyling, having earned her cosmetology license early in life.

Cash, a native Californian, was born on April 30, 1956, and was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline Wilson (“Big Mama”) and Joseph “Joe” Shorter. She passed away on March 16, 2026, with her eldest daughter, Natasha, by her side. 

Her legacy will be honored by her four children—Natasha, Kumonee, Truly, and Essence. Her descendants includes a large family of grandchildren: Regina, Joshua, Rajanee, Marshawn, Marshay, Marquese, Ma’Tia, Mariah, Kumonee Jr., Katrina, Kayla, Khalil, Kam, Koree, Kaleb, and Xavier. She also leaves cherished great-grandchildren: Reagan, Kaelynn, Emmanuel III, Mecca, Jahzara, Jeremiah, Sa’Niah, Ari, Za’Hara, Ninetoh, Dekontee, and Aniyah.

Cash touched many lives in Oakland and throughout the Bay Area. Her adventurous, kind-hearted spirit will be deeply missed.

A public homegoing celebration will be held on April 18th, along with a private memorial for her 70th birthday, when her ashes will be released into the ocean as she requested. 

May she rest in peace, reunited with her parents in the loving arms of the Most High. We love you always. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cashmerette Richardson, please visit our floral store.