When the time comes to bid this life farewell, we should find comfort in knowing that a loving God will be there with us to guide us to our new home.

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Geraldine Coleman Richardson, age 93, departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. She was born on February 9, 1933, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, to the late Henry Coleman Sr., and Christiana Coleman.

Geraldine attended Spotsylvania County Schools and was a graduate of John J. Wright High School. She was a woman of great faith, dedication, and service. Her life positively impacted numerous individuals through her involvement with her family, church, career, and community.

On September 20, 1949, she was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, James Howard Richardson, Sr. Together they shared 66 years of marriage until his passing. From this union came three children: James Howard "Chucky" Richardson, Jr., Cornelia LaVerne Johnson, and Sharon Patricia Sales.

Faith was the cornerstone of Geraldine's life. She began her Christian journey at 522 Holiness Church of God and later became a devoted member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, where her unwavering devotion, joyful spirit, and love for serving others left a lasting impact on her church family and community. Throughout her life, she remained a faithful and devoted member of the church, serving in numerous organizations and ministries. Her ministries included the Women's Fellowship, Missionary Society, Happy Hearts Trustee Club, Superintendent of the Sunday School, the Music Council, and multiple choirs, including the Shady Grove Mass Choir, Combined Choir, Gospel Choir. She also organized the Crusaders Youth Choir. She loved praising God through song and was especially known for her heartfelt renditions of her favorite hymns, "Victory Is Mine" and "Windows of Heaven Are Open”.

She was a life member of The Order of the Eastern Star and a 4-H Community Leader.

Geraldine began her career as a Home Assistant. She later dedicated over 50 years of service as a bus driver for Orange County Public Schools. She was known for her reliability, kindness, and genuine care for the children she transported throughout her career.

Outside of her professional and church commitments, Geraldine enjoyed traveling with her family and friends. She found great joy in gardening and cultivating beautiful flowers. She was also well known for her homemade pies, which became a cherished treat enjoyed by family, friends, and many throughout the community.

She leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Cornelia LaVerne Johnson (Jerry) and Sharon Sales (Fred Sr.); one daughter-in-law, Mary Lee Richardson; six grandchildren, Derrick Richardson, Pierre Richardson (Cartina), Sakinah Wood (Anthony), Danitah Venable (Jerry), Kadija Holmes (Andre'), and Fred Sales, Jr.; six great-grandchildren, Markee Richardson, Brendan Wood, Ellis Holmes, Ethan Holmes, Kelsi Holmes, and Edric Holmes; two brothers-in-law, Romano Richardson and Jack Richardson (Christine); three sisters-in-law, Ruth McGhee, Agnes Thomas (John), and Mary Lou Richardson; a devoted niece, Tonja Outlaw; a devoted friend and caregiver, Gloria "Glo-Glo" Ware; four godchildren, Linda Lewis, Eddie Lewis, Edith Lindsay, Doris Clark, and a host of relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Howard Richardson Sr.; her son, James Howard "Chucky" Richardson, Jr.; and her siblings, Christine White, Henry Coleman, Manuel Coleman.

Geraldine's life was a testament to faith, service, love, and perseverance. She exemplified compassion, humility, and devotion to God. Her unwavering faith, dedication to her family, and commitment to serving others leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. Though she has departed from this earthly life, her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

To the Richardson family, we at D. D. Watson offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences. Our prayer continues to be that your abiding faith in God will lend to you a measure of comfort that will strengthen and sustain you during your time of sorrow.

It is during such times as these that we draw upon our faith, stand upon our scriptures, and rely upon our God. There is no question that in this and through this, God will keep you, comfort you, and sustain you. You and your family are forever in our prayers.