Olive Geraldine Richardson was born in New York City on October 12, 1925 to Lillian and Wilmoth John. She was baptized in St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Harlem and was a product of the New York City public school system. She attended Seward Park High School and graduated in 1945. During her time at Seward Park she participated in school activities and was both Secretary and President of Official Class. After graduation, she went on to hold several jobs until she began working at The New York Telephone Company, from 1951 until retirement.

In 1952, Olive married Ernest (Ernie) Alexander Richardson, and in 1954, the couple welcomed their daughter, Brenda Geraldine Richardson, into the world with open arms. They were married for 54 years until his death in 2006.

Throughout her life, Olive took care of her family, traveled regularly and enjoyed life. Following Ernie’s death, she moved to Durham, North Carolina with her daughter in 2007. While in Durham, Olive became very active with the Durham Center for Senior Life, where she enjoyed classes in basic computer use, Spanish, ceramics, scrapbooking and jewelry-making. In fact, she so enjoyed making jewelry that she began to sell her pieces at Senior Center fairs and other events. In 2014, Olive and Brenda moved to Bethesda, Maryland to be closer to her granddaughter, Piper Chanelle Malone Mitchell. While in Bethesda, Olive continued to stay busy -- helping her family, caring for her favorite dogs, Deuce and Lucky, and knitting gifts for family and friends. During the last few months of her life, she also shared in the joy of the birth of her great-grandson, Clinton II, in February 2018.

Olive was devoted to her family and touched the lives of many with her love, compassion, and giving spirit. She never missed an opportunity to share a kind word, shower you with love and let you know that if you were important to her family, you were important to her.

Olive was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother. Left to cherish Olive’s memory are her daughter, Brenda G. Richardson; her granddaughter and grandson, Piper Chanelle & Clinton W. Mitchell; her great grandson Clinton W. Mitchell, II; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.



The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the family of Olive Richardson entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the family of Olive Richardson during their time of bereavement.