Mildred E. Richardson
At the age of 93, Mildred Elizabeth Richardson passed away peacefully at home with family on May 18, 2024. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Lansing.
Mildred was born on March 6, 1931, in Kiblah, Arkansas. She was the daughter of C.J. Henderson and Lady Rebecca LeGardye. She was a graduate of Kiblah High School. She attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. She furthered her education by attending and graduating from Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, and earned her master’s degree in Education Administration from Michigan State University, in East Lansing, Michigan.
She started her professional career in the Lansing School District teaching the physically handicapped and hearing impaired. Her career quickly advanced and she was appointed principal of Henry H. North Elementary School. She led the leadership and the design of the school and developed the program for physically impaired, hearing impaired, and general education students.
Mildred was dedicated to serving and helping others. She was a Life (Pearl) member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the Lansing and East Lansing Links Inc. She served on many boards, such as the First United Methodist Church and was a member of the board of trustees at Albion College. She was also a lifetime Golden Heritage member of the NAACP.
Mildred is survived by her children: son Lee V. Richardson III (Karen) and daughter Francé LeMil Richardson; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Zolar Ree Strickland and Alda L. Henderson; sister-in-law: Lillian Henderson; one brother, Marlon Henderson Sr. (Ruby); and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee V. Richardson Jr.; parents: C.J. Henderson Sr. and Lady Rebecca LeGardye; sister, Wyretha Warner; and brothers, W.D., C.J., and Carmine Henderson Sr.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Her family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
36 Messages to “Mildred E. Richardson”
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Tonya (Collett) Peters
May 20, 2024 at 11:30 amI’m so sorry to hear of her passing. She was the principal at North elementary school for so many of us. I was thinking of her the other day.
Suzanne Moore
May 20, 2024 at 12:35 pmI had the pleasure for Mildred as Henry H North School. She was a strong leader and I admired her. May your cherished memories of Mildred bring you comfort and may knowing that she is in God’s loving embrace give you peace.
Nancy Norton
May 20, 2024 at 3:56 pmI have known Mildred since 1979. She was not only my principal at North but a dear friend thru the years. Such wonderful memories as Spartan fans together too! My thoughts and prayers for her family.
Abby Johnson
May 20, 2024 at 5:16 pmWe are praying for the family of our dear cousin, Mildred. May God be your comfort and strength to adjust to life without the physical presence of Mildred.
Love, Lorean and Abby
Kim Cantu
May 20, 2024 at 7:08 pmI was fortunate to have been a secretary at North when Mrs. Richardson was principal. Her kindness will never be forgotten. My condolences to her family.
Carol Medler
May 20, 2024 at 9:50 pmI was privileged to work with Mildred at North School. Her generosity, dedication, and service encouraged generations of students, parents, and staff. She was the complete definition of a Grand Lady. The world is a better place for the time she spent with us.
Dwight Kelley
May 20, 2024 at 10:25 pmDwight and I send our deepest sympathy in the loss of our cousin Mildred. She will be missed and our hearts are saddened. We love y’all and pray for strength and healing grace. May God bless and keep y’all in his care.
Henry & Faye Shine
May 21, 2024 at 10:57 amOur prayer is that God will give the family comfort and assurance through this transition from life to eternal life. We had the pleasure of spending several gatherings in Florida during the winter with Mildred and will forever remember her and those enjoyable times as well as her winter birthday in the SUN.
Soror Cora Tinsley
May 21, 2024 at 6:11 pmI’m am saddened to her that Soror Mildred has passed away. She and her sister, Alda, warmly welcomed me to the Lansing area and Delta Tau Omega sisterhood. We had some great times getting together for lunches during summer vacation. She will be sorely missed. Rest in Heavenly Peace, my friend.
Bill and Lori Johnson
May 21, 2024 at 9:44 pmBill and I were fortunate to be part of Mildred’s North School family for many years. She led by example, she took care of us, she helped us grow to be the best version of ourselves as she did with her many students. We were blessed to call her a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Alda and the rest of the family.
Julia
May 24, 2024 at 2:17 amHi bill it me Julia Mahoney ( now last name street) we Deaf group been thought of u since and try find you many all us old student have good memories of ya and others and Richardson too
Melody Atwood
May 21, 2024 at 10:19 pmMildred was a dear friend that I met when I joined Zonta Club of Lansing. She was such a sweet and endearing lady, making the newcomer feel like she had known me for years. We laughed and giggled like schoolgirls when I leaned in and asked what did this or that mean and could it be done again because we had so much fun the first time. She would look at me and giggle and say “For Melody, I will do it my one more time!”and then shake her head and smile at me and wink. She was such a genuine lovely lady and she will be missed by so many that knew her from her life as an educator and as a Zontian. Rest in peace Ms. Mildred, and thank you for being you.
Melody Atwood
May 21, 2024 at 10:42 pmMildred Richardson was one of the most gracious, kind and caring “LADY” that anyone would ever want to meet. You will be remembered Millie for your quiet, sweet personality, warm and friendly smile all the while placing others before yourself.. Rest in peace Mildred, you will be missed by anyone who had the luck and the pleasure to meet you. Thank you for being my friend. May God bless you Millie.
Your friend in Zonta,
Melody Atwood
Barbara Thompson
May 21, 2024 at 11:37 pmMildred was a grand lady that I admired and held in high esteem. She was a model sorority sister. She mentored through her words, style and disposition. Peace and blessings to Alda and other family as well as those who cared for her.
Barbara Thompson
Anthony and Lola Weatherspoon
May 22, 2024 at 5:09 pmCondolences to the family Mrs Richardson had a kind spirit and a beautiful smile. She was our neighbor and for many years always had a beautiful rose garden. The Weatherspoon’s Anthony and Lola
Janet Schewe
May 22, 2024 at 8:15 pmI had great admiration for Mrs. Richardson, not only as an employee at North School, but as a parent there. She was a kind soul and a great leader.
Sandra Bommer
May 22, 2024 at 11:59 pmMrs. Richardson was an amazing lady. I grew up in Lansing school since I was 2 years old from Walnut, Averill, Woodcreek, and North school. She was the one who advocate and encouraged my mom put me through the best program due to my being profoundly deaf. Thank you, Mrs. Richardson, may you rest in peace.
Dianne Kinnee
May 23, 2024 at 8:58 amI was blessed to meet her when I was a student at Walnut Street School in late 1950’s. I never forget her kindness and warmth personality. And her name too. So I was surprised to see her name recently. May God bless her and her family.
Lisa Cross
May 23, 2024 at 9:14 amI was inspired by a wonderful woman such as Mrs Richardson. Thank you.
Kathleen Farr
May 23, 2024 at 10:21 amI was able to meet Mildred “Granny” Richardson thru my beautiful daughter in law Lady Rebekah Bellgowan, Granny was the most sweetest, kind and gentle person, she had a beautiful spirit. She will truly be missed.
April McMann
May 23, 2024 at 11:30 amMay your beautiful soul be always remembered by everyone here that you have touched their lives in one way or another You will be forever remembered by many many people of many generations including myself. You was my principal when I was a little girl in north elementary, You’re so incredible over 25 years later.I put my children in that school and you still remember me and my whole family.You are an amazing beautiful lady. May you rest in eternal peace. My god be with your family and comfort them all at this time. April lynn McMann
Kathy Bush
May 23, 2024 at 12:14 pmAlda, Francé and Lee,
So sorry to hear of your loss. We had such great times at First United Methodist Church and especially being in youth group together, Our families were close and stayed that way even in later years. I’ve been lucky enought to see Lee at MSU basketball games and get caught up, May your memories and those of other s who knew her, sustain you as you go forward without her. Love you all!
Don & Nataline Maluchnik
May 23, 2024 at 2:08 pmMy husband, Don & I had 3 children that attended North. He & I sat on the parent-teacher board with Mrs. Richardson. She was an absolutely wonderful person & the best of principals. Mrs. Richardson will definitely be missed but leaves everyone that met her a better person. Our condolences to her family.
Judy Stubleski
May 23, 2024 at 2:24 pmI remember Mrs Richardson from First United Methodist Church. I was young, but remember her as very kind and a gentle spirit. Sleep peacefully Mildred.
Karen Miller
May 23, 2024 at 3:40 pmMrs. Richardson hired me at North Elementary School in 1986. She was a wonderful principal and friend to work for. She was a great mentor to me as a new teacher. She was also very supportive and always available when I needed her. She kept in touch with me throughout the years. An all around great person. You will be missed Mildred.
Janice Green-Williams
May 23, 2024 at 6:38 pmMy sincere condolences & prayers to the family of Aunt Mildred. That is what we called her growing up in our neighborhood. All adults were Aunt or Uncle. I will alway remember her as a kind hearted, sweet & funny lady. She will tell be missed.
Sue Onufer
May 23, 2024 at 7:40 pmMillie Richardson was one of the most beautiful women I had the privilege of knowing. My daughters were lucky to have her as principal at North Elementary. Millie’s interest in how they were doing continued long after their time at North. She was a true role model.
Rest in peace, Millie.
Melvin S McWilliams
May 23, 2024 at 8:07 pmDeepest condolences to the Richardson Family. She and her late husband Lee Jr. made us feel really welcomed to Lansing when we moved here in the middle 80’s. Condolences to Alda as well as I know this is difficult for you. May God bless the family and may Mildred rest in peace. Melvin & Sharon McWilliams
Jacqueline & Farrah Bridges & family
May 23, 2024 at 9:47 pmSending our condolences to the Richardson, Henderson & Warner families & friends. We’re saddened to hear about Aunt Mildred’s passing… she was such a beautiful lady always had a big smile & hug for you! She will truly be missed! Love you all!
DaNeil Cox (Alexander)
May 23, 2024 at 9:51 pmI will always remember her kind face at the front door everyday when I went into school. If there was trouble to be had she had no problem with that either but she was always fair. May peace be with your family at this time. Wonderful lady!
Velma Donald & family
May 23, 2024 at 10:10 pmMy deepest condolences to the Henderson family. To God be the glory. Be blessed.
Valerie Foster-Moles
May 23, 2024 at 11:27 pmMrs Richardson was truly a beautiful soul. She will be missed by me and my family. She meant so much to so many and helped give us a wonderful elementary education.
Nick Metoyer
May 23, 2024 at 11:35 pmA kind and dear woman that I look forward to seeing again in the future. Job 14:14, Acts 24:15. All my love to the family.
Brandye Alexander
May 24, 2024 at 8:11 amWow what a life lived. I loved Mrs. Richardson as my principal in elementary school. She was so kind and caring. She always remembered me when I saw her years later. My condolences to her family. Take your rest Mrs. Richardson you earned your crown.
Sandra Atherton
May 24, 2024 at 9:18 pmAlthough I never worked with “Millie”, my grandmother, Emma McCarty, worked with her at Walnut Street school as an aide to the handicap students. My grandmother had the utmost respect for “Millie” and enjoyed working with her.
Condolences to her family. What a wonderful trailblazer she was for the LSD and the city of Lansing.
Julie Teed
May 27, 2024 at 9:57 pmTo France’, Lee and all the family of Mrs, Richardson, my sincerest condolences, I am truly sorry for your loss. Your Mother was an exceptional, brilliant and kind woman who really,made a difference in this world. She will be missed, and never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.