Lynette Dupree Richardson

Mrs. Lynette Dupree Richardson, 58, of Los Angeles, CA, departed this life on Monday, February 6, 2023.

Lynette Dupree-Richardson was born in Rochester, NY, on February 15, 1964.  At a young age, she was known as the "mockingbird" because she constantly mimicked leaders and singers in the church.  Lynette began her singing and acting career in the church by singing in the choir and performing recitations.

After graduating from Gates Chili High School and completing two years at Brockport State University, she joined the regional theatrical productions across the United States.  Her work included Once On This Island, Ain't Misbehavin, the world premiere of Waiting To Be Invited, Elmer Gantry and Rashomon, just to name a few.

Lynette followed her dream and moved to New York City.  After many auditions and prayers, she starred in numerous off-Broadway productions, including Mama I Want To Sing and Generations by Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis Jr., National and International tours followed, including Dreamgirls, The Color Purple, and the international tour of Broadway's Best.  She also starred on Broadway in Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk, Smokey Joe's Cafe, and Truly Blessed, The Mahalia Jackson Story.

After success with Broadway productions, Lynette moved to Los Angeles, California, to pursue her acting career.  She began her television career with episodes off Law and Order, Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder, Southland, Angie Tribeca, Everybody Hates Chris, Anger Management, Grace and Frankie, Heartbeat,  Mile and Molly, Shameless, The Goldbergs, Extant, NYPD Blue, The Mindy Project, and the animated Disney Series, The Lion Guard.

Lynette's film credits included Their Eyes Were Watching God, Random Hearts, and Harlem Aria.

On July 1, 2006, Lynette married the love of her life and best friend, Charles Richardson.

Lynette's last roles were Brick Top in the Josephine Baker Story and Black Pearl Sings, but her work was not finished, and she never forgot her roots in the church, especially her love for the choir.  She formed and directed the LA Third Community Choir, where she worked endlessly in rehearsals and fundraising events so that the choir could sing in many events around the Los Angeles area and continues today.

She also was an active member of LA Third Church in Los Angeles, fondly called by Lynette (Reverend Lisa), and a supportive member of New Visions Community Church of God in Christ, where her father pastors.

Lynette is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Fannie Lou and Joseph Gross, and paternal grandparents, Willie and Donnella Dupree; her mother-in-law, Edythe Payne Richardson; father-in-law, Charles S. Richardson, and sister-in-law, Betty Jean Bryant; cherished godmother, Agnes Payne-Jones.

Lynette leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband and best friend, Charles Richardson; sister-in-law, Beverly Scott; father, Superintendent Leon (Allean) Dupree; mother, Barbara Dupree; sister, Mychelle Dupree; brother, Leon (Lisa) Dupree; bonus sisters, Christina Bunch and Tisha Weech; bonus brother, Albert S. Weech; aunts, Eunice (Jesse) Scott, and Mae Dupree; bonus aunt, Mabel (Douglas) Jackson; nephews, Joseph Harvey, Aaron Dupree, Benjamin Dupree, and Caleb Dupree; bonus nephews, Xavier Hawkins and Malachi Bunch; bonus nieces, Kyana Bunch and Maya Weech; great-nieces, Nevaeh Harvey and Josette Harvey; great-nephew, Ezekiel Harvey; and a host of cousins, other relatives, friends and sympathizing acquaintances.