Lorraine Franklin Richardson

Lorraine Franklin Richardson, age 84, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 4, 2016. She was born on July 4, 1931 to the John A. Franklin, Sr. and Pearl Williams Franklin in Alexandria, VA. After attending Alexandria Public Schools, she went on to West Virginia State Teacher College, which is now West Virginia University where she received a degree in Education. She also received a Nursing degree from Parkland College in Champaign, IL. She later met and married the love of her life William J. Richardson, Sr. After a long and successful nursing career as a Registered Nurse, Lorraine retired from Norfolk Public Schools where she worked as a RN Instructor at Norfolk Vocational Technical Center. Lorraine was a long time member at Lynnhaven Baptist Church in Va. Beach, VA, where she served as a Deaconess and also worked in other auxiliaries for many years. She later moved her membership to First Baptist South Hill in Chesapeake, VA, where she attended until her illness began. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John A. Franklin, Jr., and sister, Maryann Dean. She leaves to cherish her memory; her loving husband, William J. Richardson, Sr., eight children, Michelle Holmes, Robin Parker, Gloria Richardson-Harris (Derrick), Alethea Lewis (Don), Sherrall Roberts (Eduardo), William Richardson, Jr., Angela Williams (James), Antoine Williams; one daughter in law, Lisa Richardson; ten grandchildren, Halle Parker, Jonathan Parker, Nicole Hodges (Andre), Nakia Lewis, Amisha Richardson, William Richardson, III, Eduardo Roberts, Jr. (LaRee), Amber Williams, Terrance Williams, Isaiah Williams; and four great-grandchildren, Caleb Hodges, Amiya Richardson, Abigail Hodges, Joseph Hodges; 1 brother, Lt. Col. Fredrick Frankin, Ret. (Anna) and a host of other relatives, friends and acquaintances. Lorraine was a very loving and kind wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She always greeted everyone with a smile and a warm hug. She was encouraging and uplifting no matter what the situation and could turn crying into laughter at any time. She loved cooking, shopping, traveling, gardening, knitting, crocheting, and writing poems. Most of all, she loved spending time with her husband and family. After she retired she looked forward to having quality time with her grandchildren, teaching them different hobbies and activities, and making sure they had plenty of sweet snacks to eat. Sweet Lorraine as she was often called, was a bright, shining light to her family, friends and all who had the pleasure of being in her presence. She will truly be missed.

Lorraine Franklin Richardson

July 5, 1931 - March 5, 2016