Betty Jean Watson Richardson

RICHARDSON WINSTON-SALEM Betty Jean Watson Richardson Sept. 27, 1921 - Feb. 20, 2013 Betty Jean Watson Richardson, 91, of Winston-Salem, NC, died unexpectedly on February 20, 2013, at Forsyth Medical Center, after valiantly fighting a brief illness. Betty, as she preferred to be called, was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on September 27, 1921, the sixth of seven siblings. She graduated from East Tennessee State Teacher's College, with a degree in Chemistry. There, she met the love of her life, Col. William L. Richardson, MD, during a frog dissection in biology lab. They married in the summer of 1942, and enjoyed 53 years of love, trust, and respect. Betty's early working life included a four-year stint working for Dr. Wallace Kempner, the founder of the Duke Rice diet, as an assistant. Betty's life's work was primarily as a homemaker, as an inspiring mother to her two daughters, and as a supportive army wife for her husband's military (and later) medical career which spanned World War II to the mid-1990's and included postings in Ft. Bragg, Maryland, Colorado, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Korea, and Germany. Betty spent much of her adult life in Fayetteville, NC. Her many activities and interests included bridge, gardening (especially roses), reading, sewing, concerts, plays, news shows and current events, traveling, and cooking (her homemade rolls, coconut cake and apple pie were particularly appreciated by her family). Betty possessed a razor sharp intellect, a dry wit, and a generous spirit. In July 2011, Betty moved to Winston-Salem, NC, to live with her daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. The family was assisted by the loving caregivers from Right at Home which enabled Betty to retain some measure of the independence that she treasured. Betty was met at the gates of heaven by her loving husband, and her sister, Grace W. Todoroff. Surviving family members include: daughter Lisa R. Shearin, son-in-law John Bryant Shearin, Jr., and grandchildren, Ava and Brandon Shearin, all of Winston-Salem, NC; and daughter Dr. Margaret Grace Richardson of Tacoma, Washington. Betty was a true force of life and will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved her, and she will be fondly and frequently recalled. Betty will be buried in a graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery beside her beloved husband. Memorials may be made to any organization that supports cancer research/treat-ment. On-line condolences may be made to www.frankvoglerandsons.com.