Dr. Barbarosia Richardson

Barbarosia Williams-Richardson was born in Lexington, Kentucky on August 14, 1952. She was the 4th of five girls born to the late Aster Robert Williams and Georgia Mae Sockwell-Williams.

Barbarosia grew up in Lexington, Kentucky and graduated from Lafayette High School. Barbarosia attended the University of Kentucky in Lexington and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 1974. In her quest for continuous learning she also earned a Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Kentucky in 1976. While attending the University of Kentucky she met her husband William A. Richardson, Esquire. After Barbarosia married William, she continued her quest for knowledge and obtained a Doctorate of Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado in 1998. She then became Dr. Barbarosia Richardson.

After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Barbarosia moved to Philadelphia in 1975 and married William A. Richardson, Esquire in December 1976. Barbarosia worked as a mental health clinician for Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Drug and Alcohol Division in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In 1978, Barbarosia and William moved to Denver, Colorado. Barbarosia worked for the Jefferson County School District as a Mental Health Clinician providing evidenced-based therapy, treatment and services to individuals, families, and groups, in mental health settings, schools-based programs, and community settings. She was one of the founding members of the Jefferson County School’s task force that planned, developed and implemented the Robert Wood Johnson Grant for School Based Health Clinics in Jefferson County Public Schools. Barbarosia retired from Jefferson County School District in 2009. Barbarosia and William moved to Los Angeles, CA shortly after her retirement.

Barbarosia was a continuous learner, she had a BA, MS and PHD but every year she still continued to take classes at the Universities in California.

Anyone who knew Barbarosia, knew she had tons of energy; therefore, sitting at home was not her style. In 2012, Dr. Barbarosia Richardson (President) and Dr. James Perkins founded Black Bottom and Company, a Non-Profit Company that focused on improving birth outcomes and reducing Black Infant Mortality. Dr. Richardson and Dr. Perkins authored and submitted an article, “Black Infant Mortality is at a Catastrophic Level” which was accepted for publication in a Social Work Journal. She also lectured at several conferences on “The Life Span Model” as a framework for understanding the Epigenetic Changes that are impacting African Americans’ birth outcomes; The National Evidence-Based Life Span Model for effectively treating Black Infant Mortality and Black Infant Birth outcomes; the Intergenerational effects of epigenetic changes on three generations; and interventions to address racism and chronic stress.

Barbarosia was also a member of several organizations in the Los Angeles area; The Black Women for Wellness Group, associated with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services; the National Council of Negro Women; and the Integrated Holistic Health Work Group (IHHS) associated with the Los Angeles County Departments of Public Health, Health Services and Mental Health. She was also on the Planning Committee of the South Los Angeles/South Bay AAIMM (African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Initiative) to address the disproportionately high rates of Black/African American infant and maternal mortality in LA County,

In 1975, while attending the University of Kentucky, Barbarosia convinced the Social Work Department to allow her to attend a conference in Los Angeles, Ca. It was at that conference she met her husband of 43 years, William A. Richardson Esquire,

Barbarosia and Williams love story was one of passion, commitment and devotion. They were married 43 years but their passion for each other never died. Anyone who knew them could see how committed and devoted they were to each other. Each had qualities that complemented the other. William was the Love of Barbarosia’s life and she was the love of his. The Song, “How am I Supposed to Live Without You” was requested by William to symbolize how he feels without his beloved wife Barbarosia by his side.

Barbarosia was the 4th of five girls born to Georgia and Aster Williams. She was loved by all, but a favorite of her Aunt Maggie and Uncle McKinley. They were like her second mother and father and had a major influence on her life and of course spoiled her. However, no one could take the place of her mother Georgia Mae. In Barbarosia’s eyes her mother was the prefect mother and she loved her dearly. When Barbarosia came home to visit the family or when the family was on vacation together, it wasn’t unusual for Barbarosia and our mother to slip off from the family to go shopping at midnight. Our father Aster Williams was a very strong determined man with very strong values and work ethics. His strong influence guided all his daughters to become strong, independent successful women. He and our mother were also community activists, which influenced Barbarosia’s decision to become a social worker and activist.

Barbarosia was the peacemaker in the family, she loved each of her sisters and she always tried to see each sister’s good points and areas of opportunity. She mediated many arguments between her sisters and helped us to see the errors of our ways, at least she thought she did. Our oldest sister, Shirley always referred to her as “Florence Nightingale”. She was the glue in the family and she will be deeply missed. Barbarosia also had a very special relationship and very strong bond with each of her Nieces, Nephews & Great Nieces & Nephews and at some point, became involved in each of their lives through school support, health issues, work related issues and most importantly, Love.

Dr. Barbarosia Williams - Richardson passed away unexpectantly at her home in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. She is survived by her loving husband, William A. Richardson, Esq., and three Sisters (Shirley A. Carr-Johnson, Margaretta L. Williams, and Jacqueline K. Williams-Denny). She is also missed by her Nieces and Nephews (Darryl W. English, Stephanie Y. Malone, Michelle DeGrate-King, & Gary L Combs); her Great Nephews & Nieces (Marquis English, Austin S. DeGrate, Ariana S. DeGrate, Darryl J. English II and Audrey DeGrate); and her Sister-in-law, Linda Bradshaw, and in-laws Connye Richardson and Dr. Madison Richardson. She was also beloved and will be missed by her husband’s extended family including her nieces, Kelly Richardson, Kelley Casimere, Kimberly Richardson, and Karen Richardson Baker.

She was proceeded in death by her Mother Georgia M. Williams, Father Aster R. Williams, Sister Roberta Williams-Black, and nephews- Aron J. Malone & Derrick S. English.