Janet Richardson

Janet C. Richardson, 83, of Sherwood, Arkansas passed away on July 24, 2026, while in hospice care in her hometown of Van Buren, Arkansas. She was surrounded by her loved ones as she ascended to her heavenly home. Janet was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and will be deeply missed.

Janet was born in the Mill Creek community near Fort Smith, Arkansas to Arch and Opal Christian on October 14, 1942. She was the fourth of ten children in a family filled with energy, love, maybe a little chaos, and unequaled dedication to one another.

After graduating from Van Buren High School in 1960, she attended and completed the three-year nursing program through Sparks Hospital in Fort Smith. Her nursing career included service in multiple areas including ER and critical care. She rounded out her career in public health in Little Rock. Janet acquired lifelong friends in her service as a registered nurse, friends with bonds as close as sisters. Though retired for many years, Janet’s outlook on life was shaped by her passion for nursing and caring for others.

Janet was a dedicated Christian throughout her life, and she faithfully served in church families in each town where she lived. Her last church home was Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock until her health prevented regular attendance.

Janet is survived by her husband, Bill Richardson of Sherwood; a daughter Carol Koonce of Russellville; sons Don (Sarah) Robertson of Washington, D.C., and Jim (Laura) Robertson of Little Rock; six grandsons Garrett Dedman, and Archie, Elias, John Connor, Tucker and Henry Robertson; her surviving siblings Christine Cawthon, Mary Jane (Don) Cozart, Archie Christian, Larry Christian, Karen (David) Rouse, Lou Ellen Coulson, and Jolie (Alan) Thomas; and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Arch and Opal Christian, sisters Della Crabtree and Wrenetta Ault, and her first husband Larry Robertson.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the loving care givers at Memory Lane at Legacy Heights in Van Buren and Valley Springs Health and Rehab in Van Buren, both of whom provided excellent care as Janet battled Alzheimer’s. The family would also like to extend their appreciation to Pastor Josh Willadsen and the church family at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fort Smith, who prayed and cared for Janet.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 11 AM – 11:30 AM, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Smith. Funeral Service will begin at 11:30 AM, with burial to follow at Fort Smith National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Bethel Lutheran Church, or a church of your choosing.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.edwardsfuneralhome.com