Mary Ann Horton Richardson

Mary Ann Horton Richardson passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, following a 21 day confinement in the hospital and hospice. She was born on January 27, 1940, in Jesup, Georgia. She was married to her loving husband, Jack, for 44 years.

Mary Ann was the oldest of 13 children born to Horace and Ora Lee Horton. She graduated from the first graduating class of Ribault High School. She began her working career at Prudential Insurance Company in 1958, left Prudential for a short while, and returned to retire in 2000 with 40 years of service. During that time, she worked in both the Jacksonville and Ft. Washington, PA (16 years) offices.

She was an extrovert who never met a stranger. Throughout her life she was a friend, confidant, and enthusiastic supporter of people wherever she was. Some of her work friends called her “Mom”. Starting out in the Claim Department of Prudential, she had an excellent career, rising to Claim Consultant and ultimately Manager of the Data Analysis in the Group Insurance Department. She was a planner and organizer and “got things done”.

Mary Ann was an active member of Riverside Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which she joined after meeting Jack. Over the years, she was the Chair of the Board, Financial Secretary, Chair of the Social Committee, Elder, Deacon, and President of Disciple Women. She served on the Pastor Search Team, and numerous other Committees and projects.

She was also very active in the Florida Region of the Christian Church, serving on the Commission of Ministry, planning the Senior Retreats, Chairing the Regional By-Laws Committee that resulted in new By-Laws and Design of the Regional Church.

One of Mary Ann’s outreach activities included her involvement with the Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC), which she began supporting shortly after returning to Jacksonville. DESC is a food pantry and clothing center that was created by several churches to support the working poor in Jacksonville. It is a wonderful ministry. She served on the Board, representing the church, and worked on the “Catch Bubba” catfish fundraiser from 2000 until it was discontinued. She collected bread from Waste Not, Want Not and delivered it to DESC for some time.

Mary Ann was a natural and gifted cook. She “read” cookbooks and had shelves of her favorites. Most often, though, she never measured and it was perfect. For years, as Chair of the Social Committee, she oversaw church Receptions and Potluck dinners for the church. Her Coffee Punch is legendary.

During her life in Pennsylvania, she actively worshiped and served at Salem United Church of Christ in Doylestown, PA where they lived.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Jack, daughter, Anne (Mark), three sisters (Shirley, Linda and Jenny), and 5 brothers (Roger, Roy, Ralph, Richard, Ronnie). She outlived 3 sisters (Wanda, Helen, Anita) and 1 brother (Robert).

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 10, from 6-8 at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd. On Saturday, October 11, there will be a Graveside service at 9:00 AM at the Riverside Memorial Park cemetery, followed by a Memorial Service at Riverside Avenue Christian Church, 2841 Riverside Avenue at 11:00 AM, with a reception to follow.

The family requests that flowers be sent to Riverside Avenue Christian Church for the Memorial Service.

Funeral arrangements are by Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL, (904) 781-9262.