Mary Ann Richardson was born in Camden, AR on February 17, 1945 to Loftin and Dessie Wilson. Kathryn and Buddy were sent to be raised by relatives while Mary Ann and her sister Betty were sent to Foster care in the home of Homer and Sudie Allison. Her adoptive father and mother were in their 50’s at the time and not qualified to adopt children. However, Homer influenced the local judge to award the children to him and Sudie and Mary Ann and Betty’s last names were changed to Allison.
After graduating High School Mary Ann worked at a local radio station. She fell in love with a young man from Louisiana and was soon engaged. Mary Ann’s mother did not approve of him and asked her daughter Gwen to let Mary Ann live with her and her husband Ted in California. Ted surprised Mary Ann at the radio station and told her to pack her bags because in three days she was moving to California.
As soon as she arrived in California Gwen began her match making. There were three young men in their church she wanted Mary Ann to meet. The first was Ron, their choir director. Ron was called to the house to meet Mary Ann and soon asked her to go with him to get a coke. He didn’t know she was engaged because she took off her engagement ring and one date became many. Ron asked her to marry him and they were engaged on Christmas Day, 1964. On June 25, 1965 they were married. Many actors and actresses never receive the praise they deserve. But Mary Ann is one woman who played a supporting role and must be recognized for the awesome person she was. She fit the description of the Proverbs 31 woman. Verses 10 – 31 are a perfect description of her. She didn’t want to be in the spotlight. She enjoyed, and shined, in every support role given her. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for 32 years for three CPA firms to help support the family while serving as a full-time pastor’s wife. Wherever her husband Ron felt called to minister, she followed with full support and enthusiasm and made whatever sacrifice necessary for him to succeed. She was the brightest jewel in his crown and his joy. Many of her friends who have her hand-crafted gifts can attest to her giving spirit.
Mary Ann leaves her husband Ron, son and daughter in law Ronnie and Lorraine Richardson, daughter in law Jas Richardson, and grandchildren Michael Austin Richardson, Caleb Richardson, and Jenna Richardson. She was preceded in death by her youngest son Randy Richardson.
We are deeply saddened by her passing but rejoice knowing she is not suffering but celebrating her reunion with friends and family members in heaven, and with her beloved second son Randy who preceded her in death.
