Margaret Ladner Richardson

Margaret Jeanne Ladner Richardson, known affectionately as “Junie” to many of her friends and family, died May 15, 2024 in her home in Helena, Alabama after a short illness, and after a long life filled with loving acts of ministry and a daily regimen of prayer for loved ones and those in need.

Margaret was born June 26,1933, in Mobile to Henry and Margaret Ladner and was the oldest child of five. Gifted as an artist, she pursued a graphics art degree from Auburn University, where she graduated a proud “War Eagle” in 1955.

In 1956, she married Jack Wayne Richardson, with whom she was happily married until his passing in 1993.

Margaret worked as a civilian graphic designer for the military at Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Air Force Station in Montgomery for over 30 years. Among her notable achievements were creating graphics to assist during America’s “space race” during the 1960s, and receiving the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, which is the highest award granted by the Air Force to civilian employees.

She was an active member of Heritage Baptist Church in Montgomery, where she taught third grade Sunday School for over 40 years. After retiring, Margaret continued to work through two more decades volunteering at the Montgomery Baptist Center, where she helped distribute necessary goods to those in need. She was recognized as a “Missionary Emeritus” in 2018.

Margaret is survived by her sons, Wayne (Lisa) Richardson and Mark (Jennice) Richardson; grandchildren Matthew Richardson, Jacob Richardson, Michael Richardson, Hannah Flack, Alex Richardson, and Katie Richardson and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. For decades, without fanfare, in the privacy of her own home, Margaret literally spent hours each day praying very specifically for all of these family members, friends, and acquaintances. She had such a Christ-like heart for anyone in need.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her daughter Teresa Simmons, her sister Ann McFerrin, and her brothers Henry “Pete” Ladner, Frederick Ladner, and James Cotesworth Pearson.

Donations in Margaret’s honor may be sent to the Women’s Missionary Union (https://wmu.com/donate/).