Virginia M. Richardson

RICHARDSON, Virginia M., was born September 12, 1929 in Leesburg, FL to James and Caroline (Merriam) Mathews. Although a fourth generation Floridian, she traveled or lived in most of the continental U.S. States and Alaska. As a young girl she lived in Washington, D.C. while her engineer father built the national airport, she  attended the third Presidential inauguration of Roosevelt. Her mother’s family homestead near Moneta, Wyoming, where her cattle and sheep herder grandfather was a state representative. Graduated with honors from Leesburg High School in 1948 where she was captain of LHS Women’s Basketball. That same year married her sweetheart, Albert H. Richardson. They were married 53 years. Born to them a son (John Edwin) and a daughter (Jane Ann). In 1960-72, she was bookkeeper for four-star General James A. Van Fleet on his cattle and citrus ranch in Polk County. With her husband and son built and operated Hernando Beach Marina. Many years she was Precinct Poll Clerk for Hernando County Supervisor of Elections. From 1990-2008, worked retail at Weeki Wachee Springs. She was twice past chapter President of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Member of the Daughters of American Revolution, the Eastern Star and an avid pianist as well as certified scuba diver, and a member of Hernando Beach Baptist Church. She enjoyed adventure, hunting, fishing, scuba diving, genealogy, gardening, travel, cooking and enjoyed people. She poured her heart into every person she knew and excelled in every task she set before her. Virginia loved her Lord Jesus Christ and lived her life accordingly. Predeceased by her husband, Albert H. Richardson and grandson, Wes Richardson, she is survived by son and daughter-in-law: John Edwin and Anna Richardson of Aripeka; daughter and son-in-law: Jane Ann and Larry Thomas of Tallahassee; grandson and his wife: John Mathew and Karri Richardson; brother and sister-in-law: Edward and Ann Mathews of Columbus, Ohio; great-granddaughter: Koral. She leaves behind many relatives and countless friends.  Visitation will be 10-11:00am with a funeral service at 11:00am, Saturday, June 15, 2013 at the First Baptist Church of Hernando Beach. A 3:00pm graveside service will follow at Lone Oak Cemetery, Leesburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Florida Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 8190, Lakeland, FL or First Baptist Church of Hernando Beach, 4446 Shoal Line Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34607, or the Betty Lykes Stringer UDC Chapter in her memory.  

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA

(352) 796-6699

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www.merrittfuneral.com