Rhea Jean Richardson

1940 - 2021

RHEA JEAN BROGDON RICHARDSON ""JEANIE""
1940-2021
Jeanie died the evening of March 5, 2021 at home, without pain, and in the arms of husband Ted, listening to his words of love and her favorite songs, and under the tender care of hospice nurse, Eduardo. All the while, being watched over by her loving cats, Ollie and Robbie.
Jeanie was a warrior and a survivor. For nineteen years she fought the effects of a hemorrhagic stroke ("brain attack"), colon and lung cancer, several other maladies; and finally, lung and bone cancer. Until her last few days, her motto was "Never never never give up". However, after days of ER and ICU life-support she was ready to be released from her misery and go to God. She wanted to die in the happiness of her home. The family especially appreciates the efforts of the doctors and staff of Houston Methodist Hospital, and the caring personnel at Anchor Hospice, and Carnes Funeral Home who helped fulfill her last wishes.
Jeanie was born on December 20, 1940 in Dalhart, Texas - the only child of Merlie Beatrice Ashlock and Charlie McCain. Her parents divorced, and she never knew her father. Her mother married Ralph Chandler "Buddy" Brogdon, who was always her "Daddy" and to him, she was always "The Baby".
Jeanie was raised in the Houston Heights, graduating from Harvard ES, Hogg JHS, and Reagan HS in 1958. In her yearbook, classmates wrote about her "friendship", "sweetness", "kindness", and "wonderful smile". She was a member of the Reagan Red Coats - playing bugle in the drum and bugle corps. Jeanie had many life-long and close friends, especially the "Girls" (Ella, Pat, Carole, Jane, Jeri, Cindy). Their times together over more than 60 years was a constant and reliable source of support, love and joy.
Jeanie's beautiful face often had a mischievous look, she had a dry sense of humor, and was often the "straight man". When asked about college, she would smile, say "I attended Harvard" - pause: "Harvard ELEMENTARY, that is! She was known for her "Jeanie's Pearls" and when asked about her obituary, Jeanie stated: "Just say Jeanie died - sell the car".
Jeanie was smart, determined, generous, financially astute, and a loving and caring wife. She bought a home for her parents, and mobile home for an Aunt. She contributed to many charities - usually for children, women, veterans and animals. Her favorite charity was The Women's Home in Houston (and their Cottage Shop).
In 1970, Jeanie began a 32-year career with MDRW Architects (later RWS Architects), retiring as the Office Manager. She was admired by co-workers as "smart", "hard-working", "very efficient", "loyal" and with a "special demeanor". Ted ("R") was one of the founding partners of the firm and during the 1995 Thanksgiving weekend they eloped to Fredericksburg and were married at sunset by Minister David Heidtke at the top of Cross Mountain.
In late 2002 she retired from RWS, and she and Ted began extensive travels to be with family and friends and visit special places around the world. In the Summer of 2003, they went to Boothbay Harbor, Maine to be with Ted's children and grandchildren and stay in the 1903 summer home of his Redfield grandparents. Trips to Philadelphia and Bucks County, PA with his family provided an opportunity for Ted to share his childhood memories. In 2019 they returned to New England for a long and wonderful driving trip to experience earlier memories and the fabulous colors of Fall.
Jeanie and Ted made several trips to Colorado, California, Arizona, Lake Tahoe, Hawaii, and other parts of Texas to be with Jeanie's family and she often reminisced about her close bonds, laughs and tears of joy shared with the aunts and uncles: Anne and Rex, Christine and Roger, Wanda and Billy and cousins Paul, Barbara, Carlene (John), Lydia, Nanette, Phyllis (Vern), Sharon (Gary) and Virginia (Tom).
Jeanie and Ted took many cruises and visited many places in Europe, Asia and Africa - the favorites: Tanzania to witness the Serengetti migration, and Rwanda for a jungle hike/close-up visit with the Agashya Family of Mountain Gorillas.
When younger, she sewed her own clothing, loved to sketch and paint, keep scrapbooks, play Mah Jongg, Canasta and Gin Rummy. She "tried" golf. At the MFA Glassell School, she was a student of artist Dick Wray - who had a profound influence on her many wonderful art and craft projects. She showed her interior design and space planning talents in her MANY home renovations and additions. She worked on Reagan HS Reunion committees, and was a founding member of the Texas Gulf Coast Fern Society - the second Secretary and frequent hostess for their gatherings. She grew ferns, orchids and many exotic plants. She loved to read and was a long-time member of the Bookends reading group. She helped organize the West Lane Annex Restrictions Enforcement Committee - where she served as Secretary for many years. She loved to listen to the music of the '60s, her favorites, "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers and "My Favorite Things" by John Coltrane. During her last few weeks, she frequently played "Time To Say Goodbye" sung by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman – a harbinger of things soon to come.
Jeanie wanted her many friends to know how much she appreciated them, and especially their support during her numerous health issues. She hoped family and friends understood that during her final frail days she excluded visitors and family visits because she wanted all to remember her as she looked in happier times when they were together and enjoying each other's friendship. Hopefully, friends will share stories and a toast to her from time to time.
Jeanie loved her pets: the cats, the dogs, the lovebirds, the canaries. All were special and received the best of her loving care. Now, it is so sad to see her surviving cats Ollie and Robbie constantly searching for her, sitting in her chair, and confused that she is not here where they can sleep on her every night!
Jeanie is survived by her loving and very sad husband - Edward Redfield "Ted" Richardson, and her step-children Christie Mintz Perrenot (Jamey); Calder (Deanna) Richardson; Katherine Pittman (David) and step-grandchildren: Abbey Richardson Craver (Gage), Evan and Austin Richardson; and Blake, Hunter, Chase and Ryan Pittman; and loving members of the Ashlock, Brogdon, Cornett and Frey families,
Jeanie was preceded in death by her "Daddy", mother "Bea", her still-born daughter from a previous marriage, step-grandparents "Mamaw" and "Pampsy" Brogdon, several aunts and uncles and special Cornett cousins Paul - her "little brother", and Larry - killed in the Vietnam War. Jeanie's previous husbands are deceased.
Jeanie wanted her death to help improve the lives of others and her body was donated to the Willed Body Program of the UTHealth/McGovern Medical School, where she will contribute to the education of future physicians and the advancement of medical science. Ted is registered in the same body donation program and after the medical school use of their bodies is completed, their cremains will be taken to Cross Mountain for a private family memorial to celebrate Jeanie and Ted being "together again", and their ashes will be scattered on Mother Earth to find a place in God's Garden.