Nary Sit Richardson

A Life Remembered, A Love That Remains

Nary Richardson, 50, passed away on October 21, 2026, leaving behind a family and community forever touched by her life, her kindness, and her loving heart.

Born in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Nary’s life began under extraordinary circumstances. Her family fled the genocidal warfare in Cambodia in 1974, seeking safety and the hope of a better future. Nary spent the first three years of her life in a refugee camp known as Kamput before arriving in America in November 1979 with her parents, Samout and Sit, and her younger brother, Kerry (Chirayuth), who was just six months old at the time.

Sponsored by an American family through the American Red Cross, Nary and her family began a new chapter in a country that would become their home. As part of the first generation of her family to build a life in America, Nary carried a story of resilience, courage, and hope. Her journey was a testament to the sacrifices her family made and the determination it took to begin again.

From an early age, Nary had a natural curiosity and an eagerness to learn. Her parents fondly remember her carrying books everywhere she went, much like another child might carry a favorite stuffed animal. She wanted to discover everything those books had to offer and was always eager to learn something new. She also loved to sing, spending much of her free time sharing her voice with those around her.

As a teenager, Nary had a special gift for connecting with people. She had friends from all walks of life and could make a stranger feel like a friend. She was always willing to lend an ear, offer comfort, and walk alongside others through their struggles. Her compassion and ability to connect with people were qualities that remained with her throughout her life.

Above all, Nary cherished the family she built and the children she loved. In 1999, at the age of 24, she welcomed her first child, Brianna, lovingly known as “Bri.” Her second child, Brandon, affectionately called “Dan Dan,” arrived in 2000, followed by her third child, Bileah, lovingly known as “Lili,” in 2002.

In 2003, Nary married Anthony “Tony” Richardson. Their family continued to grow with the arrival of their fourth child, Airicka, lovingly known as “Tata,” in 2004, and their fifth and youngest child, Allani, lovingly known as “La,” in 2005. Her five children were a central part of her life and will forever carry her love, her strength, and a piece of her story with them.

Nary found her calling in healthcare, beginning her career in the early 2000s as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She continued her education and earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential through Chattanooga State Community College. She went on to dedicate more than 15 years of service to Erlanger, where she cared for others during some of their most vulnerable moments.

For Nary, caring for others was more than a profession; it was part of who she was. Even during times when she needed help herself, she continued to give what she could to those around her. She had a big heart and a genuine desire to help others, and that compassion extended far beyond her work. It could be seen in the relationships she built, the people she listened to, and the lives she touched along the way.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband, Anthony Richardson; her five children, Brianna “Bri” Forte, Brandon “Dan Dan” Forte, Bileah “Lili” Sit, Airicka “Tata” Richardson, and Allani “La” Richardson; her brothers, Jack Yin and Kerry (Chirayuth) Sit; her sister, Mary Prak-Brown; brother-in-law, Ethan Brown; her beloved nephews, Tegan and Kian Brown; her parents, Samout Yin and Sit Prak; and mother-in-law, Vera Davis; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Richardson. She leaves behind not only her beloved family, but also her cherished bonus family members, whose love, support, and presence were an important part of her life: Victor Miller and family, Vong Sakun, Cheak Luy, Shawn Luy/Bee Yunyong, Jennifer/Scott Luy, Mary Luy, Mia Luy, Sap Sa, Samone Roberson and family, Thea Ya and family, Lai Ya and family, Johnny Ya and family, Chatth Sem, Alina Lynn and family, Christy Lynn and family, Sangha Sem, Phoeurn Chitth, Nalani Sem, Joe Sem and family, John Sem and family, Michael Sem and family, Pam Sem/Sophann Som and family, Sophat Som/Hong Sokka Ches and family, and many others. She will be deeply missed by other family, friends, coworkers, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Nary’s life was shaped by resilience, curiosity, music, friendship, motherhood, and a deep capacity to care for others. From her earliest years in a refugee camp to the life she built in America, her story reflects the strength it takes to overcome hardship, embrace new beginnings, and continue giving to others along the way.

Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved her, her memory will live on through her children, her family, the people she cared for, and the many lives she touched throughout her life.

Nary will be remembered as the little girl who carried books everywhere, the young woman who welcomed people from all walks of life, the mother of five who built a family of her own, and the nurse who devoted so many years to helping others. Her life was a story of perseverance, compassion, and love—a legacy that will continue through the generations that follow her.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.

A celebration of life for Nary will be held at 5:00 pm, on Saturday, November 11, 2026 at Chattanooga Funeral Home - East Brainerd Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 5:00 pm prior to the service.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com

Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, East Brainerd Chapel, 8214 East Brainerd Rd. Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.