Jo An Richardson

JoAn Corley Richardson passed away on May 26, 2013. She was born in Brady, Texas, on April 27, 1921 and grew up in Abilene, Texas. She married John Daniel Richardson on February 4, 1940, at Highland Church of Christ in Abilene. She was an Abilene businesswoman for many years and was named Abilene Business Woman of the Year in 1970. In later years she enjoyed painting Texas wildlife and landscapes, particularly of bluebonnets.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edra Mae Roberts Corley and John Oliver Corley, as well as her husband of fifty-seven years, John Daniel Richardson. She is survived by her son John Richardson and his wife Freeda Richardson of Norman, Oklahoma; grandson Dr. Matthew Richardson and his wife Sara of Amarillo, Texas; and granddaughter Laura Altman and her husband Dr. Daniel Altman of Mansfield, Texas. She was also Meems to great-grandchildren Ellie and Amy Kate Richardson, and Franklin and Olivia Altman.

JoAn's life was filled with a focus on her faith and her family. She enjoyed having her grandson Matthew and granddaughter Laura at Abilene Christian University in Abilene during 1991-1998 when she and Pa eagerly looked forward to preparing meals for them and their roommates. Her grandchildren will remember her as fun-loving and doting, someone who fixed chicken-fried venison and gravy and mashed potatoes. At Christmas, her home was filled with tins all over the house filled with Chex Mix and Million Dollar Fudge. She and Pa decorated the house every year during the holidays and looked forward to Matthew and Laura's arrival as children when they would open gifts as late as midnight when they arrived in Abilene from Norman, Oklahoma.

JoAn enjoyed painting, cooking, and accompanying John throughout their marriage when he went hunting at the Spade Ranch and fishing at Possum Kingdom Lake. She cooked quail and dove after the hunts and kept two chest-type freezers full of game and casseroles for many years. She and John were known for their hospitality. Countless groups of family and friends enjoyed her cooking and warm welcome.

Her love for the Lone Star State was eclipsed only by her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was elated when each of her great-grandchildren was born in Texas! JoAn missed Texas during the past few years when she lived in Norman, Oklahoma, after her husband died.