Linda Marie Richardson

Linda Marie Richardson, a beloved teacher for 36 years, was born on August 6, 1957, in Covina, California to her parents, Bertha and Nelson C. Cardwell. She was one of four children, and unfailingly treasured time with her family. Linda moved across the country from California to Texas at a young age and then subsequently settled in San Antonio. She fondly remembered her upbringing, and highly valued the close bonds she had with her siblings and extended family. Linda always wanted to be a teacher and was a vocal advocate for education, the arts, and self-improvement. Directly following her graduation from Jefferson High School in 1976, she attended Howard Payne University, from which she graduated in 1980 with a Bachelors in Education and her teaching certificate, which she immediately put to use. A few years later, Linda was introduced to her husband, Jacob Donis Richardson, through close friends. Linda and Jake married soon after meeting in 1986 and celebrated 36 years together. They started a family and had three loving sons from 1987-1995 to whom Linda was completely devoted to: Justin Ryan Richardson, Travis Kyle Richardson, and Braden Taylor Richardson.

Linda was incredibly proud of all of her sons. She was an extremely supportive parent who pushed her sons to pursue their interests, cultivate their talents, and she loudly celebrated their accomplishments. Her boys were the joy of her life, only closely matched by her love of her grandchildren: Emma Jane Richardson, Evelyn Rose Richardson, Wyatt Nelson Richardson, and Oliver Donnis Richardson.

Linda was an exceptional educator and dedicated her life to teaching. She kept every students note, treasured every coffee mug, and adored every frog she ever received. She sponsored a litany of clubs at Carlos Coon Elementary including her favorite- Young Astronauts. While working as a fifth-grade teacher and with three young children at home, Linda- always seeking to challenge herself and improve her mind- returned to complete a Masters of Education from Houston Baptist University in 2003. She touched many lives through her love of teaching, inspiring countless others as she interacted with them. She never had a harsh word for anyone, you could not leave her without feeling better about yourself, or more hopeful. Linda was the rainbow chasing the storms away.

Linda was preceded in death by her loving parents, Bertha and Nelson C. Cardwell; her brother, Richard Nelson Cardwell; her sister-in-law, Gloria Cardwell; and her brother-in-law, Rene Gonzales.

Linda is survived by her husband, Jacob Donis Richardson; her sons and their wives, Justin Ryan & Lisa Lori Lynn Richardson, Travis Kyle & Amanda Harris Richardson, and Braden Taylor Richardson; her grandchildren Emma Jane, Evelyn Rose, Wyatt Nelson, and Oliver Donnis, her sisters Cynthia Cardwell Garcia and Debra Cardwell Gonzales; and she took great pride in her many nieces and nephews, whom she could never praise enough.

Her family and many dear friends will remember Linda as someone who would always pick you up, hear you out, and leave you better than when she found you. Our hearts break at the passing of one so beloved, so young, but we rejoice that her pain has ended, and we know that our Dorothy is over the rainbow now.

Linda returned to our Lord on March 16, 2022, surrounded by family. Services to honor her life will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. at the University United Methodist Church located at 5084 De Zavala Rd. There will be a graveside service on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at 2:15 p.m. at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.

FUNERAL SERVICE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

11:30 AM

UNIVERSITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

5084 DE ZAVALA RD.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022

2:15 PM

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

1520 HARRY WURZBACH RD.