Annie Irene Richardson

Annie Irene Richardson, the second daughter of seven children to the late Ashley Battle Byrd and Bessie Mae Robinson Byrd, was born on Monday, June 14, 1943, in Johnston County, North Carolina. She left this earth peacefully on Sunday, September 26, 2021, after a brief illness.

Irene was educated in Johnston County Schools. She was married to the late Robert William Richardson, and there was one son in this union, William Craig. She pursued employment opportunities in a variety of fields. She retired from the Angus Barn Restaurant after working there for more than 35 years.

Irene was a strong, independent, confident, neat, lovely, no-nonsense, generous woman who loved life and kept to her own counsel. She was the go-to person available to listen if you needed someone to talk to, gave you advice, fed you if you were hungry, or gave you the recipe for a variety of meals. She loved to travel. Prior to her illness, she would have a spread of desserts prepared during the holidays. Her smile and sense of humor would light up a room. She loved people and country music, and she would tell us about the many famous people she interacted with at the Angus Barn.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Winford “Wimpy” Byrd, Jack Byrd, and Elwood Byrd; sisters, Vera Mae Parker, and Carmen Marie Decker; a few nieces and nephews; several fur babies; and the love of her life, John Duncan.

She is survived by her son, William Craig (Nicol); grandsons, Michael and William Mitchell; sister, Teresa Allen (Roger); a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends; and fur babies, Anubus, Ayanka, Samantha and Petey Pie.

A memorial celebration of life for Annie will be held Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Four Oaks Church of God, 315 E. Wellons St., Four Oaks, NC.