Sharon Denise (Jordan) Richardson

Sharon Denise Jordan Richardson was born on March 13, 1962, in Tampa, Florida, to Ellen Jacobs Williams and Solomon Jordan.  She was lovingly raised in her early years by her grandparents Willie B. Jacobs and Fannie Bell Ingram-Jacobs.  As a teenager, she learned valuable construction and homebuilding skills from her stepfather Eli Williams and her uncle Joseph Brown.

A 1980 graduate of Early County High School in Blakely, Georgia, she excelled in track and field—particularly the mile run.  Sharon went on to attend Albany State University—while also working at Maryland’s Fried Chicken.  During this time, she met her ex-husband Richard Richardson, and they would eventually go on to have three boys.  She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management in 1986, later returning to complete her Master’s degree in Education in 2012.

Sharon’s journey took her to various cities including Columbus, GA, Honolulu, HI, and Hinesville, GA, before returning to Blakely, where she spent much of her adult life.  In 2017, she moved to Atlanta, GA, where she resided until her passing.

A lifelong member of Union A.M.E. Church, Sharon served in multiple roles including Sunday School Secretary, choir member, and usher.  Her career in education began in the early 1990's as a substitute teacher.  She homeschooled her eldest son and eventually worked for the Early County Board of Education as a substitute, teacher’s aide, and ultimately a special education teacher.  Sharon also volunteered in several community programs, including the Student Work Program, the local CDC, and the Summer Lunch Program, where she served as Director for several years.  She touched countless lives through her dedication, warm spirit, and unwavering love for helping others.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Phillip Johnson of Tampa, FL.

She leaves behind cherished memories with her children:  Kerel Richardson (Tai) of Blakely, GA, Charodd Richardson (Nia) of Durham, NC, and Charond Richardson (Candicea) of Birmingham, AL; her grandchildren, Keisaiya Richardson of Colorado Springs, CO, and Ava Richardson of Durham, NC; six brothers:  Ronald Brown (Eunice), Greg Mitchell, Joe Williams (Tawanda),  and Andrew Mingo, all of Tampa, FL, Dwain Williams, and Corey Williams (Shannon) of Suwanee, GA; five sisters: Telicia Jordan, Shenese Curtis (Raymond), Melody Williams (Darryl), Loretta Hunter, all of Tampa, FL, and Kimberly Williams of Suwanee, GA; along with a host of step-siblings, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and dear friends.

Sharon will be remembered for her kind heart, infectious humor, encouraging words, and lifelong devotion to family, faith, and community.

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