Jeweline Asenith Richardson

Jeweline’s life was marked by faith, service, and trailblazing achievement. She demonstrated early leadership abilities, serving as a student leader for the Baptist Student Union at the University of Florida, where she frequently prepared and led devotionals. It was there she met her husband, John William Richardson, whom she married on January 31, 1953 in Gainesville, Florida. She received her bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis in mathematics.

In the mid-1950s, Jeweline entered the aerospace industry at Convair Fort Worth (now part of General Dynamics), where she became one of the few women engineers of her era. Assigned to Department 6-1 as a Weight Engineer, she contributed to mass-properties analysis for the Air Force’s long-range bomber programs during a pivotal period of Cold War aviation. In a time when company policy did not allow married couples to work in the same department, Jeweline and John each carved out their own places in the Convair engineering community.

In 1961, Jeweline transferred to Convair Astronautics in San Diego, where her career expanded into the nation’s missile and space programs. There she worked on the Atlas, America's first intercontinental ballistic missile. and also the rocket that launched John Glenn and other astronauts into orbit. Her expertise in weight engineering was vital to balancing the missile’s mass properties for both military readiness and its adaptation into a reliable space launch vehicle. She later contributed to the development of the Centaur, the world's first rocket stage to use liquid hydrogen. Over the next two decades, she played a role in missions that extended the nation's reach into space. Her expertise culminated in her 1983 technical paper, a landmark work, that was later cited in NASA’s official history of hydrogen propulsion, preserving her contribution in the permanent record of America’s spaceflight story.

Beyond engineering, Jeweline delighted in capturing life through photography. She was active in the Convair Recreation Association Camera Club, winning recognition in company competitions, which came as no surprise to those who knew her love of snapping pictures. She and John also enjoyed photographing weddings at their church, turning that shared passion into a joyful hobby.

Faith and family were central to her life. At Calvary Southern Baptist Church, she served faithfully as director of the nursery, Sunday School teacher, and church treasurer, devoting many hours to nurturing children and stewarding resources. She also offered her time and wisdom on numerous committees, helping to guide the church’s ministries and outreach. Beyond her local congregation, she served on committees with the San Diego Southern Baptist Association and was also invited to be a trustee for California Baptist University, extending her influence in Christian service and leadership. In her later years, after moving to Arlington, Texas, she attended church faithfully every week as well as helped pack boxes for Operation Christmas Child during collection week, continuing her lifelong pattern of service. She will be remembered not only as a pioneer in aerospace engineering but also as a woman of faith, creativity, and service who touched many lives.

Jeweline is survived by her daughters: Margaret Mullins and husband Paul of Mesa, AZ; Julie Caldwell of Lakeside, CA; and Mary Anne Britton and husband Gregg of Arlington, TX. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Rachel Lloyd (née Mullins), Matthew Mullins, Randall Caldwell, Kathryn Britton, Victoria Britton, Nicholas Britton, and Julianna Britton, as well as her great-grandchildren, Eliza and Alice Lloyd.

Funeral Service will be held on September 26, 2025, at 10am; Moore Funeral Home 1219 N Davis Dr. Arlington, TX 76012

The staff at Moore Funeral Home encourages family and friends to express their fond memories, expressions of sympathy and additional condolences to the family of Jeweline Asenith Richardson, by visiting www.moore-funeralhome.com.

In addition, if you or someone you know wish to send a floral condolence to the Richardson family in honor of the late Jeweline Asenith Richardson, you may choose to do so by calling In Bloom Flowers and Gifts at (972)-256-6637.