Margaret Ann Richardson

Deaconess Margaret Ann Richardson was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, with her daughters Regina and Vonda by her bedside. Margaret was born on September 28, 1939, to the late Deacon Robert and Deaconess Pansy (Smith) Anthony in West Virginia. She was the second of twelve children. Margaret was educated in the public schools in West Virginia.

Margaret found God at an early age where she joined and was baptized at the Kingston Baptist Church. She had her own personal relationship with the Lord and always stated “His mercy endureth forever” Psalm 136. Margaret met and married the late Joel Aubrey Richardson. From this union, they had three children - Vonda Lura, Joel Vernell, and Regina Ann.

In 1962, Margaret and her family moved to Arlington, Virginia. There she found her career working at the Arlington Hospital (Virginia Hospital Center) as a Respiratory Therapist for over 30 years. She spent her final days in Out-Patient Surgery prior to her retirement in 2005. She had a fascinating love and passion for her positions and often talked about the joyous times and friends she made while being employed.  After retirement, she joined the Langston-Brown Senior Citizens and was a member of Neighbors Corners which she truly enjoyed. She also participated in the Halls Hill “Crack Down on Drugs” Yellow Shirts and was a member of the United Order of Tents.

After settling in Arlington, she joined the Mount Salvation Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend N.R. Richardson where she continued to serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Not only was she a Deaconess, she, also served as the Assistant Superintendent for the Church Sunday School, sang in the N.R. Richardson Choir, Mass Choir, Gospel Chorus, Brothers-in-Harmony, Voices of Harmony and was a member of the Women’s Ministry.  She was a faithful participant of Prayer Meeting and Bible Study. She also enjoyed Vacation Bible School, and all events that involved the youth and teen ministry. One thing we could always count on was a good laugh from her. She was famous for her role of Beulah Blackwell in the Archie Borgus stage play. When the church doors were opened, you could always count on her being in the midst. She was a very faithful member until her health began to fail.

Margaret loved to travel. She went on various cruises and visited many beautiful places with her close friends and family. She always wanted to visit Hawaii, but the opportunity never presented itself. She really loved The Washington Football Team. Safe to say, “a real die-hard fan”-regardless.  She was the life of the party. When she entered a room, everyone knew they were going to have a good time. She welcomed everyone in her home with a big heart and a helping hand. 

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Pansy Anthony; son Joel Vernell Richardson; four sisters: Ramona, Rebecca, and Wanda Anthony, Thelma Saunders and two brothers: Waverly and Deacon James Anthony.

Margaret leaves a legacy of four generations to cherish her memories and to continue her legacy of love and faith her two daughters: Vonda and Regina Richardson; seven grandchildren- Alfred aka Rell/Ricky Richardson (Yolanda), Chamika Richardson, Crystal Richardson (Michael),  Ta’Sheena Owens (JoVan), three adopted grandchildren-Christina Saunders, Kiara Barbosa, Kayla Gaitan; seven great-grandchildren- Dalaun, Ricky, Aniyah, Michael, Mariah Richardson, Jeremiah Ramos, Harmony Owens, and two adopted great-grandchild, Joseph Dunbar and Izae’Yah Moten. Four sisters- Glenna Morris, Pearl Daniel, Drucilla Anthony, Vivian Collins (Ronald); one brother- Stanley “Ike” Anthony (Patricia) and one sister-in law: Rosie Anthony. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and Mt. Salvation Church Family. Special friends, Deaconess Nolda Williams, Ms. Christine Slack, Ms. Violet Fenty and Ms. Mary Stewart and her roommate Hattie Ford, who loved her and will miss her dearly.

 

 

  When Day Is Done

 

As shadows fall and day is done,

My Soul rests with the setting sun.

I turn my thoughts to things above,

And thank my Lord for all H