Sylvia Ann Richardson

Sylvia Ann George was born on February 4, 1939, in Moss Point, Mississippi to Johnie & Grace George. She was the eighth of ten children, all of whom preceded her in death. She loved her siblings dearly. The siblings in birth order were Grace, Bobby (Bubba), Belle, Bobby, Mike, Margie, Blanche, Sylvia, Cecil, and Brenda.

Sylvia attended Magnolia Elementary and High School in Pascagoula, Mississippi, before furthering her studies at Singing River Healthcare Academy in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. It was there she earned her credentials as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Seeking greater opportunities, Sylvia relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where she married John (JB) Richardson (Moss Point native) on August 20, 1962. Demonstrating tremendous dedication, she balanced working as a nurse at Provident Hospital by day with attending evening classes at Chicago State University. Successfully, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Education and then a Master of Science in Special Education from Chicago State University. Upon graduation, she transitioned her career becoming a grade schoolteacher at Anderson Elementary until her retirement.

Sylvia and JB were married for 58 years until he died from COVID on April 12, 2020. They had three children: Dwayne, Angela, and Joan. They raised their children to have a strong foundation in education. Dwayne attended Kettering University (formerly GMI Engineering & Management Institute) and earned a bachelor’s in electrical engineering. Angela pursued a career in healthcare, attending Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Sciences and is a Family Medicine Physician. Joan focused on business leadership, completing her MBA at University of Chicago Booth School of Business and is working in the pharmaceutical sales industry.

Sylvia lived her life with passion and unwavering commitment to her favorite things. She loved and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and cherished watching them grow. She was an avid (and often frustrated) Chicago Bears fan. She enjoyed listening to Fats Domino, watching “The Voice,” Murder She Wrote, Law & Order and westerns on TV. She was also a great cook! Her legendary seafood gumbo was delicious and always a crowd favorite.

Sylvia’s greatest achievement was sacrificing for her family and making sure everyone was doing well. Her favorite color was blue.

Sylvia is survived by her children Dwayne (Noelle), Richardson of Madison, Alabama; Dr. Angela (Robert) Long of Gurnee, Illinois; and Joan (Scott) Bartlett of Granite Falls, North Carolina. She also leaves behind her four grandchildren, Reginald, Lindsey, London and Sebastien, as well as many nieces and nephews.