Lewisburg-Frances F. Richardson, 88, passed away peacefully at her home in Lewisburg on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, surrounded by family.
The daughter of Abner S. Fitch and Lizzie Mae Boswell Fitch, she was born and raised on their farm in rural Caswell County, NC, where she learned the value of hard work and developed a devotion to family that characterized her life.
She is survived by the love of her life and her husband of 67 years, John R. Richardson, as well as six children – Donna McNeel (Jacob), Robert Richardson (Susan), Douglas Richardson (Janet), Lisa Abdella (Greg), Steven Richardson (Valorie), and Beth Goshorn (Leon). She was immensely proud of each of her nine grandchildren – David Weikle (Susan), Sarah Richardson (Jamison Sizemore), Christine Richardson, Adam Richardson, Emily Louise Richardson, Paige Abdella, Brooke Abdella, Matthew Richardson (Emma), and Derek Richardson, and she beamed at even the mention of any of her six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, Elsie Fitch, Lorine Totten, and Shirley Moore (Jerry), and three sisters-in-law, Margaret Cook, Betty Shafer, and Faye Fitch, and by numerous nieces and nephews, neighbors and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, James Fitch and Eldridge Fitch.
Frances was known for her love of children. Through her home-based daycare business she shared her affection with dozens, if not hundreds, of children over three decades, always exhibiting a calm patience regardless of the circumstances. Her home was a magnet for neighborhood children, who would often come to play with her children or with the children she watched. She welcomed all of them with her warm smile and kind heart, usually with a meal or at least a snack – no one was allowed to go hungry at Frances Richardson’s house.
She was a committed member of the Lewisburg United Methodist Church, where she served several terms as president of the United Methodist Women and in numerous other capacities. Until she became unable to do so because of her health, she was a steadfast presence in the church kitchen for dinners, receptions and other events, faithfully serving others in times of celebration and in times of need. Frances also participated actively with the Lewisburg Lioness Club, and greatly enjoyed the fellowship and opportunity for service that it provided to her.
Funeral services will be held at the Lewisburg United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, with Rev. Bev Colombo officiating. Visitation will take place at the church immediately prior to the services, from 2 until 3. Interment will follow in Greenbrier Memorial Gardens near Lewisburg.
Memorial donations may be made to the Lewisburg United Methodist Women, P.O. Box 69, Lewisburg, WV 24901, or to the charity of your choice.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.